In a rare alignment, the governors of California and Florida opposed the White House’s recent proposal to expand offshore oil drilling near their coasts.
The plan from the Trump administration, announced by the Department of the Interior, suggests offering up to 34 offshore drilling leases across 1.3 billion acres off Alaska, California, and Florida shores. This move could open waters without new leases for decades, reversing policies by the Biden administration intended to reduce offshore oil development.
“The Biden administration halted offshore oil and gas leasing, hindering America’s offshore production pipeline,” stated Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “This forward-thinking plan ensures the strength of America’s offshore industry.”
While Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy of Alaska supported the initiative, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis opposed it.
Newsom criticized the proposal on X, calling it an attempt to sell off California’s coasts to Big Oil. DeSantis emphasized support for a 2020 memorandum preventing offshore leasing in the Gulf of Mexico through 2032.
Meanwhile, at COP30 in Brazil, leaders urged a phaseout of oil, gas, and coal as global temperatures and emissions rise. Despite the U.S. government’s absence, U.S. officials and lobbyists were present. More than 100 lawmakers have opposed new leases, writing to Trump and Burgum against leases off the Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic Ocean, and Eastern Gulf.
Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida expressed opposition on X, indicating that Florida’s coasts should remain protected from drilling to safeguard tourism and the environment.
The White House deferred comment to the Department of the Interior, which did not respond. While the oil industry welcomed the announcement, environmental groups criticized it. Mike Sommers, CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, described it as a “historic step” for offshore oil resource development.
According to a New York Times analysis, the oil and gas industry contributed substantially to Trump’s 2024 campaign. The availability of leases doesn’t ensure drilling, noted Frank Maisano of Bracewell LLP, indicating uncertainty in drilling activities even if leases are obtained.
California has consistently opposed offshore drilling, spurred by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, while Florida’s tourism and ecosystems have led to bipartisan support for moratoriums, especially after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill. Alaska faces multiple fossil fuel development proposals threatening its environment.
All three states experience significant climate change impacts, including sea level rise, extreme weather, and ecological disruptions. Recent disasters highlight the growing climate risks.
Irene Gutierrez from the Natural Resources Defense Council criticized the drilling plans, emphasizing the need for renewable energy investment. She highlighted the particular risks of Arctic drilling and urged public participation in the comment period starting Nov. 24.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org