Biden bans offshore drilling to protect U.S. coasts, sparking praise from environmentalists and backlash from Trump and oil industry leaders.
In a landmark move, President Joe Biden announced a ban on oil and gas drilling across 625 million acres of U.S. coastal waters, citing the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953. The decision affects the Eastern Seaboard, parts of the Gulf of Mexico, and the Arctic waters off Alaska. Biden emphasized protecting cherished coastal areas from irreversible damage, framing the ban as vital for long-term environmental preservation.
Trump: “We Will Undo This”
President-elect Donald Trump, known for prioritizing fossil fuels and economic growth, criticized the ban as politically motivated. Trump declared his intent to reverse the decision, labeling it an attack on American energy independence. However, undoing Biden’s measure will likely require congressional approval, setting the stage for political conflict.
Divided Reactions
Environmental groups praised the ban as a milestone for climate protection, while the oil industry condemned it as a threat to economic stability. Trump’s administration is expected to challenge this move, intensifying debates on balancing environmental concerns with energy needs.