Biden Bans New Offshore Oil Drilling

In a strategic move just before leaving office, President Joe Biden has enacted a ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling in significant areas along the U.S. East and West Coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska's Northern Bering Sea, protecting 625 million acres from future leasing. Biden's decision, made under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, aims to address climate change and prevent potential irreversible damage to coastal communities. The ban has been praised by environmental advocates, citing the need for clean coasts and sustainable economic activity. However, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to reverse Biden's actions, claiming he has the authority to 'unban' the drilling immediately, despite potential legal challenges that may require congressional approval. Trump's administration plans to promote energy dominance and expand domestic drilling, contrasting sharply with Biden's climate-focused policies. The implications of Biden's order and Trump's promised repeal highlight the ongoing tug-of-war over energy policy in the U.S.