By Michael D. Carroll
Breaking News Editor
President Joe Biden is taking steps to prohibit new offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters, a late-term move aimed at preempting potential efforts by the incoming Trump administration to broaden offshore drilling activities.
With just two weeks left in his presidency, Biden announced he is invoking authority under the federal Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to safeguard coastal waters along the East and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska's Northern Bering Sea from future oil and gas leasing. The decision underscores Biden's commitment to environmental protections as his term comes to a close.
"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," Biden said in a statement.
"As the climate crisis continues to threaten communities across the country and we are transitioning to a clean energy economy, now is the time to protect these coasts for our children and grandchildren," he said.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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