Offshore drilling platform with distant mountains in the background.

Republicans debate offshore drilling as some resist expansion

Even as Republican lawmakers push to reverse Biden-era offshore drilling restrictions, some oppose new development off their states’ coasts, complicating efforts to expand oil and gas production.

Garrett Downs reports for E&E News.

In short:

President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans seek to open more federal waters to drilling, but some GOP lawmakers, particularly in Florida, oppose offshore development near their states.
Legal challenges and existing state-level restrictions could hinder efforts to undo Biden’s ban, which covers federal waters along the East and West coasts and near Florida.
The debate highlights divisions within the Republican Party, with some prioritizing energy expansion and others emphasizing environmental and political concerns.

Key quote:

“If the entire coast objects, you shouldn’t be doing it.”

— Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), former Interior secretary

Why this matters:

Offshore drilling sits at the center of a long-running debate over energy policy, economic growth, and environmental protection. Supporters argue that expanding offshore oil and gas exploration strengthens national energy security, reduces reliance on foreign oil, and creates jobs in coastal communities. The oil industry often touts technological advancements that have made drilling safer and more efficient over the years. Public opposition to offshore drilling is particularly strong in states like Florida, where tourism and fishing industries depend on clean beaches and healthy waters.

Policymakers in coastal states often push back against federal efforts to expand drilling leases, citing both economic and environmental concerns. Oil spills — whether from drilling accidents or pipeline failures — can have devastating consequences for marine life, coastal economies, and fisheries. Memories of disasters like the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which released millions of barrels of oil into the ocean, continue to shape public opinion and impact local economies. Environmentalists warn that drilling disturbs fragile ecosystems, threatens endangered species, and contributes to climate change by prolonging dependence on fossil fuels.

Learn more: Senate votes to overturn Biden-era offshore drilling rule

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electric vehicle EV charging at a charging station.

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New Trump administration rule weakens efforts to promote cleaner cars

The Trump administration just threw a wrench into Biden’s fuel efficiency plans, publishing a new rule that challenges how electric vehicles factor into federal standards.

Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill.

In short:

The U.S. Transportation Department issued a rule saying the Biden administration improperly used electric vehicles to calculate carmakers’ fuel economy standards.
While not eliminating Biden’s rules outright, the administration suggested it may not enforce them during its own rulemaking process, arguing the current standards are akin to an EV mandate.
The move undercuts one of Biden’s core climate strategies and could reduce pressure on automakers to improve efficiency — unless U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules, which Republicans are also trying to reverse, stay intact.

Why this matters:

Fuel efficiency rules are one of the federal government’s main tools to cut transportation emissions — the top source of greenhouse gases in the U.S. While this new rule doesn’t outright kill the fuel economy standards, it signals the administration likely won’t enforce them while it writes its own version.

Read the Full Article on

thehill.com

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