President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to immediately reverse President Joe Biden’s comprehensive ban on offshore oil and gas activity; a policy announced Monday that blocks drilling across 625 million acres of the U.S. outer continental shelf.
Biden’s decision, lauded by environmentalists as a significant step toward combating climate change, has drawn fierce criticism from industry leaders and Republicans who argue it jeopardizes U.S. energy independence.
READ: Biden Administration Announces Sweeping Ban On Offshore Drilling Across 625 Million Acres
The Biden administration’s ban, which spans an area larger than the Louisiana Purchase, includes:
- East Coast: A complete prohibition on future drilling.
- Eastern Gulf of Mexico: Large portions of this vital energy-producing region.
- West Coast: Over 250 million acres off Washington, Oregon, and California.
- Alaska: 44 million acres in the Bering Sea.
In a statement, the White House justified the move, stating, “The environmental and economic risks and harms that would result from drilling in these areas outweigh their limited fossil fuel resource potential.” The decision also aligns with Biden’s 2023 plan to implement the most restrictive five-year offshore leasing schedule in U.S. history.
Environmental groups and Democratic lawmakers hailed the ban as a defining moment in Biden’s climate legacy, praising the administration’s efforts to protect marine ecosystems and curb greenhouse gas emissions.
President-elect Trump denounced the ban Tuesday as a politically motivated decision that undermines the country’s energy independence and economic stability. “Biden’s offshore drilling ban will not stand. I will reverse it immediately,” Trump said. “We will drill, baby, drill, and bring energy costs way down, which will lower prices across the board.”
Trump also attacked Biden’s broader environmental policies, calling the spending on renewable energy initiatives a “Green New Scam” that wastes taxpayer dollars. “They’re throwing trillions of dollars out the window, funding projects that are too expensive and don’t work,” Trump argued.
Trump reaffirmed his commitment to expanding U.S. oil and gas production, promising streamlined regulatory processes to encourage investment. “We’re going to guarantee expedited reviews for anyone investing over a billion dollars in energy projects. No more waiting 14 years for approvals,” Trump said, referencing delays in permitting during the Biden administration.
READ: Trump Vows To Reverse Biden’s “Ridiculous” Offshore Drilling Ban Off Florida Coast
Trump and his team remain confident in their ability to restore drilling rights. Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s pick for White House press secretary, called the ban “disgraceful” and assured supporters that the new administration would “expand energy production and prioritize American jobs.”
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