US President Donald Trump, inaugurated on Monday, revoked offshore drilling bans imposed by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
The move reopens 625 million acres of coastal waters for potential oil and gas development, reversing restrictions aimed at protecting marine ecosystems.
While Trump’s decision follows through with his campaign promise to expand American energy production, it won’t immediately trigger new offshore lease sales.
Environmental groups and legal experts argue the action violates federal law, which allows presidents to protect waters but not revoke those protections. Similar legal challenges blocked Trump’s efforts during his first term.
The oil industry, a key Trump constituency, is lobbying for a new leasing program to replace Biden’s limited three-sale plan. However, interest in offshore drilling has waned, and previous attempts to expand leases faced pushback from coastal states.
Environmentalists warn of significant risks to ecosystems and communities, stressing that expanded drilling would have minimal impact on long-term energy needs.
Meanwhile, Trump’s decision reflects his commitment to boosting domestic energy amid global demand for lower-carbon production.