WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration announced on Thursday new oil drilling off the California and Florida coasts for the first time in decades, advancing a project that critics say could harm coastal communities and ecosystems, as President Donald Trump seeks to expand U.S. oil production.
The oil industry has been seeking access to new offshore areas, including Southern California and off the coast of Florida, to boost U.S. energy security and jobs. The federal government has not allowed drilling in federal waters in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, which includes offshore Florida and part of offshore Alabama, since 1995, due to oil spill concerns. California has existing offshore oil rigs, but there have been no new leases in federal waters since the mid-1980s.
Trump's approach marks a departure from former President Joe Biden's focus on climate change, as Trump aims for U.S. 'energy dominance' on the global stage. Alongside this, the administration has blocked renewable energy initiatives, including offshore wind projects, and canceled significant funding for clean energy initiatives across the nation.
The offshore drilling plan has met fierce resistance from California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat eyeing a potential presidential run in 2028, who labeled it 'dead on arrival.' The proposal is expected to encounter bipartisan opposition in Florida, where tourism and access to clean beaches are vital to the state's economy.
Plans to Allow Drilling Off California and Florida
The administration's outline includes six offshore lease sales off the coast of California and proposes new drilling zones off Florida at least 100 miles from the coast. These areas are adjacent to existing oil infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico, which already hosts thousands of wells.
Additionally, the five-year plan suggests over 20 lease sales off the coast of Alaska, targeting areas known as the High Arctic, located more than 200 miles offshore.
Proponents such as the American Petroleum Institute argue that these areas should be explored for the jobs and revenue they could generate.
Opposition from State Leaders
Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, both Republicans from Florida, have advocated for a continued moratorium on offshore drilling, emphasizing the significance of maintaining Florida’s pristine coastal environment.
Newsom's office indicated that the plan, even in its developmental stages, could jeopardize California's economy and safety by risking ecological disasters linked to oil drilling.
California has historically been at the forefront of efforts to restrict offshore drilling, particularly after the catastrophic Santa Barbara oil spill in 1969 ignited widespread environmental activism.
Environmental Concerns
Environmental groups have voiced strong opposition to the proposed offshore drilling, highlighting the irreversible damages that oil spills can inflict on marine ecosystems and coastal economies. Campaign director Joseph Gordon of Oceana condemned the plan as an 'oil spill nightmare,' warning of dire consequences for coastal communities and ocean health.
As the administration pushes forward, questions remain about the future of offshore oil drilling and its potential impact on the environment and coastal livelihoods.
