Biden’s Bold Move to Protect America’s Coastal Legacy
In a historic act of environmental stewardship, President Joe Biden has solidified his administration’s commitment to combating climate change and protecting coastal economies. By conserving over 670 million acres of lands and waters, President Biden has outpaced all his predecessors in safeguarding the nation’s natural heritage. Among his latest actions, the permanent withdrawal of more than 625 million acres of U.S. ocean waters from offshore oil and natural gas drilling stands as a monumental decision for environmental and economic resilience.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30)
“Thank you President Biden for acting to PERMANENTLY protect coastlines from Maine to Florida & Washington to California from offshore drilling. With natural disasters increasing, we need to invest in clean, sustainable energy – cutting our energy bills and protecting the planet!”
This decisive move has drawn praise from many stakeholders, including bipartisan political leaders, Indigenous groups, environmental advocates, and local businesses. Governors from both coasts, more than 2,300 elected officials, and nearly 400 municipalities have voiced concerns over the severe environmental, health, and economic risks associated with offshore drilling. Coastal communities rely heavily on clean oceans for tourism, fishing, and recreation, generating billions of dollars annually.
Drew Caputo, Vice President of Litigation for Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans, Earthjustice
“President Biden just made a powerful investment in the resiliency of communities, regional economies, and marine wildlife across the coastal United States,” said Earthjustice Vice President of Litigation for Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans Drew Caputo. “These protective policies will ensure safer conditions and more room for prosperity for millions of people living along American coasts, for thousands of businesses that rely on undisturbed oceans, and for vulnerable wildlife. Our work ahead is clear: we’ll continue the fight to ensure that Gulf communities in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama can also increasingly live without the threat from offshore drilling on their front doorstep.”
For example, the Pacific Coast’s economy contributes over $80 billion in GDP through clean ocean industries, supporting 825,000 jobs. The Northern Bering Sea, vital to the food security and culture of over 70 Alaskan Tribes, remains free from the risks of oil spills and ecosystem damage, preserving one of the largest marine mammal migrations globally.
Biden’s use of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) permanently bans oil and gas leasing across vital regions, including:
These regions are now shielded from oil spills, pollution, and habitat destruction. With nearly 40% of Americans living in coastal counties, this action ensures the resilience of these communities against climate-driven disasters like hurricanes and rising sea levels.
President Biden’s decision aligns with his broader America the Beautiful initiative, which aims to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. His administration has already created three new marine sanctuaries, advanced offshore wind projects generating 19 gigawatts of clean energy, and invested $2.6 billion in coastal restoration.
This unprecedented conservation effort mitigates climate risks and advances a just transition to renewable energy, fostering economic opportunities in sustainable industries. By halting offshore drilling, Biden reinforces the U.S. commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Despite political uncertainty, Biden’s actions under Section 12(a) of the OCSLA have proven legally robust. Courts have upheld similar withdrawals, creating significant barriers to any future administration attempting to reverse these protections. This permanence safeguards against potential rollbacks under administrations favoring expanded fossil fuel extraction.
As the nation grapples with the challenges of climate change, Biden’s leadership underscores the importance of protecting both natural ecosystems and economic livelihoods. By prioritizing renewable energy and conservation, the U.S. sets a global example in balancing environmental responsibility with economic growth.
