Donald Trump, former U.S President, intends to reverse President Biden’s prohibition on new oil and gas drilling along the U.S coast. Labeling the policy as ‘ridiculous’, Trump expressed his intention to take immediate action to overturn the ban. The proposed action apparently indicates a clear disagreement between the current and former administration on climate and energy policy.
Biden implemented the ban during his initial weeks in office as part of a wider environmental policy agenda focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. His intention to halt new drilling leases on federal lands and waters is a marked shift from the Trump administration’s approach that had sought to expand fossil fuel development.
Trump’s plan to ‘immediately’ reverse this policy comes as a stark contrast to these environmental efforts. The former president has always been critical of climate policies that, in his opinion, affect the U.S economy and job market. “I think it’s a ridiculous and very harmful policy,” he said of the ban, “One of my first acts in office would be to overturn it.”
These comments were made during an interview in which Trump was asked about the potential actions he may take if he were to become president again. Both the supporters and critics of the former president have paid close attention to his remarks given his considerable influence over the Republican party, even after his departure from the White House.
The environmental and financial repercussions of this reversal, if it were to take place, remain uncertain. However, the stark divide in climate policy between the two administrations sheds light on the ongoing debate about balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability in the United States.
Last modified: January 7, 2025
