Biden Takes Executive Action Targeting Offshore Drilling

President Joe Biden has invoked the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to ban new offshore oil and gas drilling, sparking debate on environmental protection versus energy independence.

At a Glance

Biden bans new offshore oil and gas drilling in nearly 2.5 million square kilometers of federal waters.
The ban affects the U.S. East Coast, West Coast, eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska’s North Bering Sea.
Environmental groups applaud the decision, while fossil fuel interests express concerns.
President-elect Trump has vowed to reverse the ban, but congressional action would be required.
The Gulf of Mexico remains a significant source of U.S. oil and gas, contributing 14% of domestic output.

Biden’s Last-Minute Environmental Legacy

As President Joe Biden’s tenure draws to a close, he has made a significant move to solidify his environmental legacy. Invoking the authority of the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Biden has issued an executive order to permanently ban new offshore oil and gas drilling in vast areas of U.S. federal waters. This sweeping action covers nearly 2.5 million square kilometers, an area larger than Texas and Alaska combined, including the U.S. East Coast, West Coast, eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska’s North Bering Sea.

The ban is part of Biden’s broader conservation efforts, with his administration saying it has protected more U.S. lands and waters than any previous president. Biden emphasized the long-term benefits of this decision, stating that protecting coasts and oceans will benefit communities and the economy for future generations.

Environmental Protection vs. Energy Independence

While environmental groups and many Democrats have praised the decision, it has sparked a debate about the balance between environmental protection and energy independence. The ban affects only new leases and not current projects, which some argue limits its immediate impact on U.S. exploration and production. However, fossil fuel interests have expressed concerns about potential long-term effects on domestic oil and gas supply.

“We urge policymakers to use every tool at their disposal to reverse this politically motivated decision and restore a pro-American energy approach to federal leasing,” American Petroleum Institute CEO Mike Sommers said.

It’s worth noting that more than 90% of Alaska’s federal waters and the central and western Gulf of Mexico, which are the most productive areas for offshore oil and gas, remain open to drilling. The Gulf of Mexico continues to be a significant source of U.S. oil and gas, contributing 14% of domestic output.

Political Implications and Future Challenges

The timing of this executive action, coming at the end of Biden’s presidency, has raised questions about its durability. President-elect Donald Trump has already vowed to reverse the ban, stating, “I will reverse it immediately.” However, reversing the ban would require congressional action, which experts consider challenging.

The ban has received mixed reactions along party lines. Florida Democrats, including U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor and Maxwell Frost, have praised the decision, highlighting its importance for Florida’s environment and economy. They cite the devastating 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill as a primary reason for supporting the ban. Conversely, some Republicans, like Arkansas Rep. Bruce Westerman, have criticized the move, citing potential revenue losses and energy independence concerns.

Just days before he leaves office, Pres. Biden is taking executive action to ban offshore oil and gas drilling in more than 625 million acres of ocean. https://t.co/q0APAJg7vN

— ABC News (@ABC) January 6, 2025

Looking Ahead

As the debate continues, the future of U.S. energy policy remains uncertain. Biden’s executive action sets a precedent for environmental protection, but its long-term impact will depend on future administrations and potential congressional action. The balance between environmental conservation and energy independence will likely remain a contentious issue in American politics for years to come.