President Joe Biden is about to make a major environmental move in the final weeks of his presidency. He’s preparing to issue an executive order that will permanently ban new offshore oil and gas drilling in certain U.S. coastal waters. This action is expected to lock in tough-to-reverse protections, and it’s a direct response to the growing pressure from congressional Democrats and environmental groups. The goal? To protect our coastal communities, preserve marine ecosystems, and combat climate change.
What’s Happening? In the next few days, Biden is expected to sign an executive order preventing the sale of new drilling rights in some areas of the country’s outer continental shelf. The decision comes from a 1953 law that allows the president to protect waters from oil and gas development permanently, without easily being undone by future administrations.
This move is especially important as it complicates plans for President-elect Donald Trump, who had intended to ramp up domestic energy production. While many of Biden’s executive actions can be overturned, this one is rooted in a law that offers long-lasting protection, making it difficult for any future president to reverse the decision.
Why It Matters? This step responds to calls from environmental groups and coastal communities who argue that offshore drilling is too risky. Oil spills can wreak havoc on marine life and the coastal economy, particularly in states like Florida and California. By making these areas off-limits for drilling, Biden is not just protecting the environment but also securing the livelihoods of millions of Americans.
A Historic Environmental Move The upcoming decree would contribute to Biden’s legacy of environmental action. Biden has already made significant strides in protecting public lands and oceans, and this move would only add to his growing record of prioritizing conservation. His administration has already protected more U.S. lands and waters than any president before him. Biden is determined to leave behind a lasting impact by safeguarding some of the country’s most precious and vulnerable landscapes.
The Trump Challenge But Biden’s move won’t be easy to maintain. When Trump takes office, he’s expected to try to reverse these protections, just like he did during his first term when he sought to undo President Obama’s restrictions on oil and gas leasing in the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. However, Trump’s attempt to reverse Obama’s order was blocked by a federal court, so it’s uncertain whether he’ll be successful this time around.
What Do the Critics Say? The oil industry is already pushing back, claiming that limiting offshore drilling could harm U.S. energy production, which they argue is cleaner than other countries. They also say that fossil fuels will continue to be necessary for the foreseeable future. But conservationists believe that we can meet future energy needs without sacrificing the health of our coastlines and marine life.
A Divisive Issue Offshore drilling remains a highly divisive issue in American politics. While Republicans generally support expanding offshore drilling, many coastal states – especially those that rely on tourism – are wary of the potential for oil spills that could devastate local economies. A recent survey showed that less than half of Americans support increasing offshore oil and gas drilling, especially when it could harm the environment.
The Bottom Line As Biden prepares to leave office, his final environmental legacy could be permanent protections for our oceans and coasts. While the future of this decree remains uncertain, one thing is clear: The debate over offshore drilling is far from over, and the outcome will have lasting effects on the environment, local economies, and U.S. energy policy for years to come.
