US: Elected Officials, Business Leaders Collectively Oppose Biden’s New Offshore Restrictions

Elected officials and trade groups representing businesses across the supply chain are sounding the alarm over the Biden administration’s 11th hour decision to ban new oil and natural gas activity across millions of acres of federal waters. The American Petroleum Institute (API) has released a statement summarizing noteworthy responses from leaders across the industry.

Here’s what they are saying:

“American voters sent a clear message in support of domestic energy development, and yet the current administration is using its final days in office to cement a record of doing everything possible to restrict it. Congress and the incoming administration should fully leverage the nation’s vast offshore resources as a critical source of affordable energy, government revenue and stability around the world. We urge policymakers to use every tool at their disposal to reverse this politically motivated decision and restore a pro-American energy approach to federal leasing.” — American Petroleum Institute President and CEO Mike Sommers ( API, 1/5/25)

“Restricting U.S. energy production is a bad idea. Americans want and need affordable, reliable, homegrown energy. … Energy produced in America under strict environmental standards can be used here at home or exported to allies abroad which is better for the climate, global security and our economy.” — Christopher Guith, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber’s Global Energy Institute (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1/6/25)

“President Biden’s decision to ban new offshore oil and natural gas development across approximately 625 million acres of U.S. coastal and offshore waters is significant and catastrophic. … This should be seen as the ‘elephant’s nose under the tent.’ The ban severely limits potential for exploration and development in new areas therefore choking the long-term survivability of the industry.” — Independent Petroleum Association of America Offshore Committee Chairman Ron Neal (IPAA, 1/5/25)

“The decision to unilaterally block areas from future offshore oil and gas development is a strategic error, driven not by science or voter mandate, but by political motives. This move directly undermines American energy consumers and jeopardizes the vast benefits tied to a thriving domestic energy sector.” — National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito (NOIA, 1/6/25)

“This sweeping ban is the latest in a long series of restrictive energy policies that will be the ultimate legacy of the Biden Administration, all of which have made little to no impact on the environment. … This ban demonstrates the Biden Administration’s preference for making our nation more dependent on dirtier foreign energy sources rather than our own, which deliver cleaner and more affordable energy to American families and small businesses.” — Consumer Energy Alliance President David Holt (CEA, 1/6/25)

“American energy leadership is crucial for global stability, but it demands supportive policies from Washington. … This decision undermines our ability to provide stable, reliable, and affordable energy to meet the needs of American families and businesses.” — Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association President Tommy Faucheux (LMOGA, 1/6/25)

“By attempting to restrict offshore access before walking out the door, President Biden also threatens treasured outdoor spaces across the country. The president completely ignores the fact that the Land and Water Conservation Fund is exclusively funded by offshore oil and natural gas leasing and production.” — Western Energy Alliance President Kathleen Sgamma (Western Energy Alliance, 1/6/25)

“President Biden is ending his presidency the same way he started it: waging war on American energy.” — House Speaker Mike Johnson (X.com, 1/6/25)

“President Biden’s decision to shut down access to America’s critical offshore energy resources threatens our energy and national security and will result in higher energy costs for families and small businesses. This is a gift for OPEC nations and will only serve to embolden our enemies.” — House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (X.com, 1/6/25)

“This is Joe Biden’s final insult to American families. This decision will harm our nation’s energy security and hardworking energy workers across the country. January 20th cannot come soon enough. Together with President Trump, Republicans will reverse this outrageous decision and unleash America’s energy resources as soon as possible.” — Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (Sen. John Barrasso, 1/6/25)

“In the 119th Congress, we will use every tool, including reconciliation, to restore and unleash these revenues, fueling conservation, coastal resilience and energy independence, and ensuring America — not OPEC, Russia or China — leads the world.” — House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (E&E News, 1/7/25)

“Biden’s reported plan to ban offshore drilling is a parting gift to far-left environmentalists at the expense of our nation’s economy. Not only will this stifle future American energy production but force higher energy prices on American consumers.” — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (X.com, 1/3/25)

“While Biden’s move to restrict drilling will have no impact on current oil prices, it will absolutely hamstring the ability for the oil and gas sector to maintain/expand energy production. It should be reversed immediately. Such a move is rooted in politics, not pragmatism.” — GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick De Haan (X.com, 1/6/25)

“President Biden’s last-minute ban on offshore drilling in Alaska is another sanction against Alaska as he heads for the front door of the White House. Alaska responsibly develops its resources while protecting the environment. This decision is shortsighted and harmful.” — Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (X.com, 1/6/25)

Source:  Worldoil.com