• Landmark Ocean Protections: President Biden withdraws 625 million acres of U.S. waters from future oil and gas leasing, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Northern Bering Sea.
• Economic and Environmental Safeguards: The action protects coastal economies, marine ecosystems, and Indigenous communities that depend on ocean resources.
• Historic Conservation Milestone: President Biden has now conserved over 670 million acres of U.S. lands and waters, the most by any president in U.S. history.

President Biden has taken decisive action to protect U.S. coastal waters from offshore oil and gas drilling, conserving over 625 million acres of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Northern Bering Sea. This historic move aims to safeguard marine ecosystems, support local economies, and address environmental risks associated with offshore drilling.

“Nature is the backbone of coastal communities, and these protections will ensure they remain safe from oil spills and resource depletion,” the White House stated.

Key Regions Protected:

1. Atlantic Coast and Eastern Gulf of Mexico:
   • Covers 334 million acres from Canada to Florida.
   • Protects critical fishing and tourism industries.
   • Builds on previous congressional protections set to expire in 2032.
2. Pacific Coast (California, Oregon, Washington):
   • Encompasses 250 million acres of federal waters.
   • Prime habitat for marine life such as seals, whales, and seabirds.
   • Extends protections long advocated by West Coast governors.
3. Northern Bering Sea (Alaska):
   • Protects 44 million acres of Indigenous territory critical to marine biodiversity and food security.
   • Home to the world’s largest marine mammal migrations, including beluga whales and walruses.
   • Supports more than 70 coastal Tribes, including the Yup’ik, Cup’ik, and Inupiaq peoples.

Related Article: Texas Opens Proposals for Offshore Carbon Sequestration Leases

“Oil and gas development here would threaten vital ecosystems and centuries-old cultural traditions,” said Indigenous leaders.

Policy and Climate Legacy:

The Biden-Harris Administration’s ocean protections are part of a broader climate agenda:

• Renewable Energy Push: Over 19 GW of offshore wind projects approved—enough to power 6 million homes.
• Marine Conservation: Creation of three new marine sanctuaries, including the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary in California.
• Conservation Initiatives: $2.6 billion invested in coastal communities and the establishment of the first U.S. Ocean Climate Action Plan.

With over 670 million acres of lands and waters conserved, President Biden’s actions align with the America the Beautiful initiative, aiming to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

“These steps underscore our commitment to preserving natural wonders for future generations while supporting economic resilience,” noted administration officials.

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