Trump Administration Reopens Coastal Waters to Oil Drilling, Sparking Outcry
WASHINGTON (December 2, 2025) – In a move reversing decades of policy and drawing swift condemnation from both sides of the aisle, the Trump administration today announced plans to open federal waters off the coasts of California and Florida to oil drilling. The proposal,which could significantly impact fragile coastal ecosystems and economies,marks a renewed push for “energy dominance” as President Trump continues to prioritize fossil fuel production.
The declaration signals a dramatic departure from the climate-focused policies of the Biden administration, which previously restricted offshore drilling in these areas. This decision comes as President Trump has repeatedly dismissed concerns about climate change, calling it a “con job,” and has actively sought to boost U.S. oil, coal, and natural gas production. Simultaneously, the administration has curtailed support for renewable energy projects, including offshore wind, and canceled clean energy grants.
A First in Decades
The federal government hasn’t permitted drilling in federal waters in the eastern Gulf of Mexico – encompassing offshore Florida and parts of Alabama – sence 1995, largely due to fears of devastating oil spills. While California currently hosts some offshore rigs, no new leases have been issued in federal waters off its coast since the mid-1980s.
The proposed five-year plan, spanning 2027-2030, outlines six lease sales along the California coast and new drilling opportunities off Florida, located at least 100 miles from shore in a newly designated South-Central Gulf region. This area is strategically positioned adjacent to existing drilling operations, aiming to address concerns from Florida officials wary of impacting tourism-dependent coastlines. The plan also includes over 20 lease sales off the Alaskan coast, including a newly designated area in the High Arctic, over 200 miles offshore.
Bipartisan Opposition Emerges
The announcement has been met wiht immediate and bipartisan resistance. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s office urged the administration to reconsider, while Senator Rick Scott emphasized the need to protect Florida’s coasts from drilling. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal critic of the President, labeled the plan “idiotic.”
The economic implications are important for both states, where tourism and pristine beaches are vital to their economies.
“By moving forward with the growth of 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,” stated Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
Industry Support, Environmental Concerns
The American Petroleum Institute hailed the plan as a “historic step” towards unlocking offshore resources. Industry representatives highlight California’s existing oil infrastructure and argue its well-positioned to support increased production.
However, environmental groups and coastal communities are bracing for a fight.Concerns center around the potential for catastrophic oil spills, damage to marine ecosystems, and the exacerbation of climate change. Critics point to the inherent risks associated with offshore drilling and question the long-term benefits of prioritizing fossil fuels over sustainable energy solutions.
Image: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum speaks during the annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference on June 3, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
Source: Associated Press – Matthew Daly & Matthew Brown
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* Keywords: Trump administration, oil drilling, offshore drilling, California, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, energy dominance, climate change, oil spill, interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Ron DeSantis, Rick Scott, Gavin Newsom.
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