In a bold move on the environmental front, President Joe Biden has declared a comprehensive ban on offshore oil and gas drilling that spans the majority of the United States coastline. This decision, announced mere weeks before Donald Trump is set to assume the presidency, stands in stark contrast to Trump's campaign promises to enhance domestic fossil fuel production in a bid to reduce gas prices, despite the country experiencing record petroleum extraction levels.
Biden Implements Major Offshore Drilling Ban Ahead of Trump's Inauguration
Biden Implements Major Offshore Drilling Ban Ahead of Trump's Inauguration
The Biden administration takes significant action to protect coastal ecosystems just weeks before transitioning power to the Trump administration.
The drilling ban encompasses the full Atlantic coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific coastline off California, Oregon, and Washington, in addition to parts of the Bering Sea near Alaska. This action is seen as part of a series of last-minute environmental initiatives by the Biden administration as the clock ticks down to the end of his term.
In his statement, Biden emphasized the importance of safeguarding coastal communities, local businesses, and recreational spaces. "Drilling off these coasts could cause irreversible damage to places we hold dear and is unnecessary to meet our nation's energy needs," he declared. "It is not worth the risks."
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In his statement, Biden emphasized the importance of safeguarding coastal communities, local businesses, and recreational spaces. "Drilling off these coasts could cause irreversible damage to places we hold dear and is unnecessary to meet our nation's energy needs," he declared. "It is not worth the risks."
As this is a breaking news story, updates are expected as further details emerge. Readers are encouraged to refresh for complete coverage and can receive breaking alerts via the BBC News App or through social media channels.