In a coordinated legislative push, U.S. lawmakers have introduced multiple bills aimed at permanently blocking new offshore oil drilling along all major U.S. coastlines. The effort directly counters President Donald Trump’s pro-drilling agenda, which includes plans to reopen protected waters for energy exploration.
The proposed legislation includes region-specific measures like the New England Coastal Protection Act, the COAST Anti-Drilling Act (East Coast), the West Coast Ocean Protection Act, and similar bills for the Arctic and Gulf coasts. These bills aim to codify protections originally enacted under President Biden and prevent future leasing for oil and gas drilling.
Lawmakers from both parties, including Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), cite the importance of coastal ecosystems, fisheries, tourism, and local economies as key reasons for the ban. Environmental groups like Oceana have voiced strong support, calling for a permanent end to offshore drilling expansion nationwide.
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