White House announces new oil and gas drilling off California and Florida | Trump administration

The Trump administration announced new oil and gas drilling off the coasts of California and Florida on Thursday, setting the stage for a political showdown — including with Republicans in the Sunshine State who have largely opposed oil development in the Gulf of Mexico.

This announcement comes as the US oil industry, despite low crude prices, is pushing for access to new offshore drilling areas. The industry’s push for increased access also marks an effort to increase U.S. employment and energy independence, according to the Associated Press.

The federal government has banned offshore drilling since 1995 in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, which stretches from the coast of Florida to parts of Alabama. The ban stems from concerns about possible oil spills.

Although California has some offshore oil development, there have been no new leases in federal waters in nearly 30 years, the AP said.

A proposed schedule for oil leasing in federal waters includes up to 34 auctions from 2026 to 2031; The auctions include up to six sales off the coast of California, 21 off the coast of Alaska and two in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, Politico reported. Alaska sales would include a region that has never seen oil drilling.

The move reflects Trump’s strenuous efforts to roll back former President Joe Biden’s efforts against global warming. Trump has described climate change as “the greatest con the world has ever perpetrated” and launched a National Energy Dominance Council to boost domestic energy production, with an emphasis on fossil fuels, AP noted.

Trump has simultaneously stymied the development of renewable energy, including offshore wind farms. His administration also cut billions of dollars in green energy subsidies, the AP said.

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Trump foe who is considering a presidential bid, has rejected the expansion of offshore drilling, calling it “dead on arrival.”

Offshore oil development faces bipartisan opposition in Florida, where pristine beaches and sparkling waters support the state’s $131 billion tourism industry.

Sen. Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, dissuaded Trump from plans to drill offshore in 2018. He and fellow Florida Republican Sen. Ashley Moody co-sponsored a bill that would maintain the drilling ban.

“As Floridians, we know how vital our beautiful beaches and coastal waters are to our state’s economy, environment and way of life,” Scott said in a statement earlier this month. “I will always work to keep Florida’s coasts intact and protect our natural treasures for generations to come.”