Order from the North American president protects more than 2.5 million km² of offshore drilling
The President of the United States, Joe Biden (Democrat), this Monday (Jan 6, 2025) announced new oil and natural gas explorations in coastal and oceanic areas of the country.
In , the North American leader stated that the decision against drilling offshore –technique used to explore and extract resources located under the seabed– aims to protect the environment.
“Drilling in these areas could cause irreversible damage to places we cherish and is unnecessary to meet our country’s energy needs. It’s not worth the risks. 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.”said the Democrat.
Protected territories include the entire North American East Coast, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, the entire West Coast covering California, Oregon and Washington, and areas of the North Bering Sea in Alaska. The measure will protect more than 2.5 million km².
Biden made the decision based on the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. President-elect Donald Trump (Republican), who takes office on January 20, may have difficulty reversing the Democrat’s action. The order requires an act of the US Congress to be repealed.
On X (formerly Twitter), Trump’s press secretary, , called Biden’s decision a “shameful”.
He also stated that the measure was “designed to take political revenge on the American people who gave Donald Trump a mandate to increase drilling and reduce gasoline prices”.
