Trump administration plans to open new oil drilling off of California and Florida coasts, sparking bipartisan backlash

"Since taking office for a second time in January, Trump has systematically reversed former President Joe Biden's focus on slowing climate change to pursue what the Republican calls U.S. "energy dominance" in the global market. Trump, who recently called climate change "the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world," created a National Energy Dominance Council and directed it to move quickly to drive up already record-high U.S. energy production, particularly fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas."

"The oil industry has been seeking access to new offshore areas, including Southern California and off the coast of Florida, as a way to boost U.S. energy security and jobs. The federal government has not allowed drilling in federal waters in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, which includes offshore Florida and part of offshore Alabama, since 1995, because of concerns about oil spills. California has some offshore oil rigs, but there has been no new leasing in federal waters since the mid-1980s."

"The drilling proposal drew bipartisan pushback in Florida, where a spokesperson for Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said the Trump administration should reconsider and Republican Sen. Rick Scott said the state's coasts "must remain off the table for oil drilling." California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, a frequent Trump critic, called the administration's plan "idiotic." Tourism and access to clean beaches are key parts of the economy in both states."

Federal approval opens offshore oil drilling off California and Florida coasts for the first time in decades. The oil industry seeks access to Southern California and Florida waters to boost U.S. energy security and jobs. Federal restrictions have barred drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico since 1995 over spill concerns, and there has been no new federal leasing off California since the mid-1980s. Since taking office, Trump reversed Biden-era climate policies to pursue U.S. "energy dominance," created a National Energy Dominance Council, and prioritized fossil fuel production. The administration has blocked offshore wind and canceled billions in clean energy grants. The proposal drew bipartisan pushback and criticism, with tourism and beach access cited as economic priorities.

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