Title: Biden‘s Last-Minute Ocean Protection Move Aims to Counter Trump’s Environmental Policies
In one of his final acts as U.S. President, Joe Biden has issued an order to protect around 252 million acres of ocean along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Bering Sea, prohibiting offshore oil and gas drilling. This move aims to safeguard these regions from potential environmental and economic risks, especially in light of the incoming Trump administration’s expected policies.
Biden used the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) of 1953 to withdraw these areas from potential leasing indefinitely. The President highlighted the risks of offshore drilling, stating, "Perforating in these coasts could cause irreversible damage to places we cherish and is unnecessary to meet our nation’s energy needs. It’s not worth the risk."
The outgoing President emphasized the urgency of protecting these coasts for future generations, saying, "As the climate crisis continues to threaten communities across the country, and we transition to a clean energy economy, now is the time to protect these coasts for our children and grandchildren."
This decision by Biden comes just two weeks before the inauguration of Donald Trump, who has appointed Chris Wright, a prominent advocate for increased fossil fuel production, as the new Director of the Department of Energy. Wright’s company, Liberty Energies, has been at the forefront of pushing for expanded fossil fuel production, arguing that it is essential for reducing poverty.
Biden’s order significantly expands the total ocean area protected, surpassing any previous president’s actions. This move underscores the outgoing administration’s commitment to environmental conservation and sets a stark contrast with the expected policies of the incoming Trump administration.
