Tue Jan 07 06:40:00 UTC 2025: **Biden Permanently Bans Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling in Vast Areas of US Ocean**

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joe Biden issued a sweeping executive order on Monday permanently banning future oil and gas leasing across 625 million acres of US ocean waters. This action affects vast stretches of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, including the entire East Coast, parts of the Gulf of Mexico, and areas off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska.

The ban, invoking the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, is designed to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems from potential damage and environmental risks associated with offshore drilling. The administration argues that the ban is unnecessary for meeting national energy needs and that existing domestic production is sufficient. The President cited bipartisan support for protecting coastlines from drilling, referencing similar actions taken by previous administrations, including President Trump.

However, the move has been met with fierce criticism from the oil and gas industry and the incoming Trump administration. President-elect Trump vowed to immediately overturn the ban, although reversing the executive action would likely require Congressional action. Industry representatives argue the ban is a catastrophic attack on the industry, limiting future exploration and jeopardizing jobs. Critics also claim the move is politically motivated, ignoring the public’s demand for increased domestic energy production.

Despite the opposition, the Biden administration maintains that the ban aligns with efforts to protect the environment and boost local economies. Energy analysts, while acknowledging the symbolic significance of the ban, predict minimal impact on US oil production in the short term.

The timing of the announcement, just days before the end of Biden’s term, raises questions about its political implications. The decision underscores the ongoing debate over energy policy and environmental protection in the United States. The White House also announced plans to establish two new national monuments in California in the coming days.

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