The Trump administration on Thursday unveiled a sweeping plan to open new offshore oil drilling near California and Florida for the first time in decades, triggering immediate and bipartisan backlash from coastal leaders who warn the move threatens fragile ecosystems and vital tourism economies. The proposal marks one of President Donald Trump’s most consequential steps yet to boost U. S. fossil fuel production as part of his pledge to achieve what he calls American “energy dominance.” The announcement represents a major reversal from policies under former President Joe Biden, whose administration sought to curb offshore drilling and expand clean energy development to confront climate change. Since returning to office in January, Trump has sharply upended that approach-blocking offshore wind projects, canceling billions in clean-energy grants and establishing a new National Energy Dominance Council to accelerate oil, gas and coal production. Trump has repeatedly dismissed climate change concerns, calling global warming “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world,” and has directed federal agencies to prioritize fossil fuel development. Under the new five-year leasing plan, the Interior Department proposes six offshore lease sales between 2027 and 2030 along the California coast, where no new federal leases have been issued since the mid-1980s. The draft also calls for new drilling in waters at least 100 miles off Florida’s shoreline-areas that have remained off-limits since 1995 due to fears of catastrophic spills that could devastate beaches and tourism. More than 20 additional lease sales are proposed off Alaska, including in a newly designated “High Arctic” zone more than 200 miles offshore. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the plan would strengthen the nation’s energy supply and preserve jobs. “By moving forward with a robust, forward-thinking leasing plan, we are ensuring that America’s offshore industry stays strong, our workers stay employed, and our nation remains energy dominant for decades to come,” Burgum said. The oil industry hailed the proposal as a major breakthrough. The American Petroleum Institute called it a “historic step” that could unlock vast offshore reserves and capitalize on California’s longstanding-though shrinking-role as an oil producer. Industry representatives argue that new drilling could create jobs and improve energy security at a moment of rising global demand. But opposition was swift and broad, especially in California and Florida. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and frequent Trump critic, declared the proposal “dead on arrival” and said it would endanger coastal communities that depend on clean beaches. California has sharply limited offshore drilling since the 1969 Santa Barbara spill, which helped spark the modern environmental movement, om has backed congressional efforts to permanently ban new federal leases off the state’s coast. Florida officials, including Republican Sen. Rick Scott, also voiced concern. Scott, who helped block a similar plan in 2018, said he would “always work to keep Florida’s shores pristine.” Tourism is central to Florida’s economy, and lawmakers in both parties have warned that even a distant spill could devastate the state. Environmental groups warned the risks outweigh any potential economic benefit. Joseph Gordon of Oceana called the administration’s proposal “an oil spill nightmare,” saying coastal communities rely on healthy oceans for economic stability. Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Alex Padilla of California and Rep. Jared Huffman, said Trump’s plan would jeopardize ecosystems, national security and the livelihoods of millions. “One disastrous oil spill can cost taxpayers billions,” they said. The drilling plan arrives as the administration supports restarting production off Santa Barbara and as Trump’s first-day executive order reversed Biden-era restrictions on offshore development. A federal court later struck down Biden’s attempt to withdraw 625 million acres of federal waters from oil leasing. With the new plan, Trump is betting that expanded drilling will outlast legal challenges, state resistance and environmental blowback. But coastal leaders say they have no intention of backing down. “There’s too much at stake,” Gordon said. “Our coasts-and our future-depend on stopping this.” This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow. This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-offshore-oil-drilling-california-florida-newsom-backlash-11084274
Donald Trump Expands Offshore Oil Drilling to California and Florida
