In a recent interview, President-elect Donald Trump expressed his intention to undo President Joe Biden's executive action that permanently bans future offshore oil and gas development in parts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Trump criticized the move, calling it 'ridiculous' and stating that he would 'un-ban it immediately.'
Biden's executive action, announced on Monday, prohibits oil companies from leasing waters for new drilling in 625 million acres of ocean. This action is based on the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which grants presidents the authority to withdraw federal waters from future oil and gas leasing and development.
However, the law does not explicitly empower presidents to reverse such actions. Therefore, Trump would need to seek congressional approval to amend the law before he could overturn Biden's ban on offshore drilling.
The debate over offshore oil and gas development has long been a contentious issue, with environmental concerns pitted against economic interests. Proponents argue that offshore drilling boosts domestic energy production and creates jobs, while opponents raise concerns about the environmental impact, including the risk of oil spills and harm to marine ecosystems.
As the transition of power unfolds, the future of offshore drilling in US coastal waters remains uncertain. The clash between Biden's environmental agenda and Trump's pro-energy stance sets the stage for potential legislative battles and policy shifts in the coming months.
