Offshore drilling plan proposes massive expansion, but excludes Atlantic

Today, the Trump administration released a draft of its five-year plan for the offshore drilling leasing program. 

Strong opposition to opening the Atlantic coast to offshore drilling – and the Trump administration’s 10-year moratorium – is reflected in the plan with Atlantic waters excluded, yet new leases are proposed for the Gulf of Mexico, California, and Alaska. 

“We join hundreds of communities who have made clear their opposition to offshore drilling and are glad that the Atlantic coast will remain protected from the risks of oil spills,” says Megan Huynh, leader of SELC’s Wetlands and Coasts Program. “However, we share the deep concerns of communities in the Gulf and elsewhere who now face increased threats to their precious coastal ecosystems, economies, and human health.” 

Over 250 municipalities passed resolutions to oppose offshore drilling a decade ago when the Atlantic coast was first proposed for leasing. Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden, along with Republican and Democratic Governors, all took actions to protect the Atlantic coast from drilling. 

The public will have 60 days to weigh in on the draft proposed program.