Biden to Ban New Offshore Oil and Gas Development Across 625 Million Acres

President Joe Biden is preparing to issue an order that will prohibit any new offshore oil and gas activities across an extensive area of about 625 million acres along U.S. coastlines. This ban will specifically include the sale of drilling rights in the Atlantic and Pacific regions, along with the eastern Gulf of Mexico, reinforcing the administration's commitment to safeguarding marine environments and the communities that rely on them from the dangers associated with fossil fuel extraction, such as oil spills.

Additionally, while undertaking this significant move towards environmental protection, Biden plans to permit continued oil and natural gas leasing in the central and western parts of the Gulf of Mexico, regions that have a long-standing history of drilling and currently contribute approximately 14% of the nation’s fossil fuel output. Scheduled for announcement on Monday, this decision is expected to enhance Biden’s environmental legacy, reflecting his administration's dedication to conservation efforts and a shift towards sustainable energy solutions. It follows several initiatives aimed at establishing environmental safeguards before the transition of presidential power to Donald Trump.