Biden Bans Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling in 625 Million Acres of US Territory

President Joe Biden announced an executive action that bans offshore oil and gas drilling in 625 million acres of U.S. maritime territory.

The Details: Incoming President Donald Trump has promised to reverse the ban “immediately,” though media across the spectrum have noted that doing so would not be simple. Biden issued the order under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953 (OCSLA), which allows the president to withdraw areas from oil and gas drilling. 

Key Quotes: Biden said in a statement, “My decision reflects what coastal communities, businesses, and beachgoers have known for a long time: that drilling off these coasts could cause irreversible damage to places we hold dear and is unnecessary to meet our nation’s energy needs.” Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said, “This is a disgraceful decision designed to exact political revenge on the American people who gave President Trump a mandate to increase drilling and lower gas prices.”

For Context: During his campaign, Trump promised to lower energy prices by 50%. A 2019 ruling established that presidents cannot overturn OCSLA bans enacted by previous administrations. This means reversals would likely require congressional approval. The 2024 election results were certified by Congress on Monday, and Trump will begin his term on January 20.

How the Media Covered It: CNN (Lean Left bias) emphasized the permanence of the action. Fox News (Right bias) prominently highlighted Trump’s promise to “expand oil and gas drilling.” BBC News (Center bias) noted that Trump “used” the OCSLA in 2020 to protect waters off of Florida, but that he set an expiration date of 2032 with this action.