After Pallone’s Push, Biden Permanently Protects Atlantic and Other Coastal Waters from Oil Drilling

WASHINGTON, DC - Following years of tireless advocacy by Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06), President Joe Biden has permanently prohibited offshore oil and gas development along the entire East and West Coasts, as well as the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and areas of the Northern Bering Sea off Alaska. Pallone pushed Biden to use his authority under Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to issue an Executive Order that safeguards coastal communities and ecosystems from the dangers of fossil fuel development.

"For decades, I've fought to protect our shores from those who would sell off our way of life to make a buck from dangerous offshore drilling, and today, that fight has paid off," said Pallone. "President Biden's action ensures that our coasts are permanently off-limits to 'drill baby, drill' exploitation. This is a commonsense win for everyone who relies on clean, thriving oceans. Protecting our coastal waters from oil drilling safeguards our fishing and tourism economy and critically-endangered North Atlantic right whales."

As recently as November, Pallone co-led a letter to President Biden with Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) signed by House Democrats, highlighting the economic, environmental, and public health risks posed by offshore drilling and urging the administration to cement its climate and conservation legacy by taking this decisive step.

"By taking this bold move, President Biden is showing the world that the United States can lead in combating the climate and wildlife extinction crises," Pallone added. "This decision prioritizes clean, safe energy over the outdated and dangerous practices of fossil fuel extraction. It reflects the hard work and values of coastal communities like ours that have never stopped fighting for a better, cleaner future."

"As his administration comes to a close, I'm grateful for the bold, transformative action President Biden has taken to chart a cleaner, safer energy future for all Americans," said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.). "The offshore oil and gas industry routinely subjects coastal communities and workers to toxic oil spills and pollution, all while the same communities are bearing the brunt of climate-caused storm surges and flooding. Although there is still work to be done, today's action to block offshore drilling off the entire East Coast, the eastern Gulf, much of the Pacific, and the Northern Bering Sea is a monumental step in the progress we need to protect communities, the environment, and future generations from climate change."

Protecting American coasts from offshore drilling is widely popular, with nearly two-thirds of registered voters expressing support. More than 390 municipalities across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts have formally opposed the expansion of offshore drilling.

Presidents of both political parties have used their 12(a) authority to protect U.S. waters from energy development. Barring an act of Congress, President Biden's Executive Order is permanent.

This decision is part of the Biden administration's climate legacy, which includes historic investments in affordable clean energy and good-paying jobs through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-efforts Pallone spearheaded as the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. It also significantly advances President Biden's goal to protect 30 percent of U.S. oceans by 2030.

Environmental groups and local leaders commended Pallone's decades of advocacy, including the COAST Anti-Drilling Act (HR 1320), crediting his leadership with helping to secure this critical protection for the Jersey Shore and the nation.