President Joe Biden has implemented a sweeping ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling across more than 625 million acres of federal waters, setting up a high-stakes clash with President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to reverse the decision immediately after taking office. Biden’s action, announced Monday, marks a last-minute effort to cement his environmental legacy before leaving office in two weeks.
Biden invoked the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953 to withdraw coastal areas along the East and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea from future oil and gas leasing. This move protects regions deemed environmentally sensitive while sidestepping large portions of the Gulf of Mexico, where most U.S. offshore drilling occurs.
“My decision reflects what coastal communities, businesses, and beachgoers have known for a long time: that drilling off these coasts could cause irreversible damage to places we hold dear and is unnecessary to meet our nation’s energy needs,” Biden said. “As the climate crisis continues to threaten communities across the country, now is the time to protect these coasts for our children and grandchildren.”
Environmental advocates lauded the move. Joseph Gordon, campaign director for Oceana, called it “an epic ocean victory,” adding, this decision builds on a “bipartisan tradition of protecting our coasts”.
The timing and scope of the ban have fueled criticism from industry groups and Trump allies. Ron Neal, chairman of the Independent Petroleum Association of America Offshore Committee, described the move as “significant and catastrophic.” He warned that limiting exploration in new areas could undermine the long-term survival of the U.S. oil and gas industry, calling the decision “a major attack on the oil and natural gas industry.”
Trump, who has promised to deliver American “energy dominance” on the world stage, vowed to rescind the ban on his first day in office. “I will unban it immediately,” Trump told radio host Hugh Hewitt on Monday. the U.S. has “oil and gas at a level that nobody else has and we’re gonna take advantage of it. It’s really our greatest economic asset.”
The conflicting visions underscore a broader debate over the future of U.S. energy policy. While Biden has framed his actions as necessary to combat climate change and preserve natural resources, critics argue the decision risks economic consequences and energy insecurity. Erik Milito, president of the National Ocean Industries Association, said, “This move directly undermines American energy consumers and jeopardizes the vast benefits tied to a thriving domestic energy sector.”
Biden’s executive action adds to his administration’s record on climate and conservation. Over his term, he has conserved more than 670 million acres of U.S. land and waters, surpassing any previous president, according to the White House. The decision also aligns with his administration’s goal of conserving 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 under the “America the Beautiful” initiative.
However, critics point to inconsistencies in Biden’s environmental policies. While banning offshore drilling in new areas, his administration approved the controversial Willow oil project in Alaska earlier in his presidency, drawing sharp rebukes from environmental groups.
The new ban will likely face legal and legislative challenges. While Biden’s authority under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act is significant, reversing the action could require Congressional approval-a high hurdle even with Trump’s determination.
As Biden’s term nears its conclusion, his parting move sets the stage for a contentious policy reversal. The National Ocean Industries Association has cautioned that such abrupt policy shifts risk sending mixed signals to international markets and U.S. allies, particularly amid global uncertainties like the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Sandra Bundy, president of the Florida-based Business Alliance for Protecting the Atlantic Coast, praised Biden’s decision, saying it would safeguard coastal economies and ecosystems for generations. “Opening all federal waters to offshore exploration and drilling posed serious threats to coastal economies and ecosystems that are critical to millions along the coast,” Bundy said.
