As President Biden nears the twilight of his presidency, his administration has taken a flurry of last-minute actions, seemingly aimed at cementing his legacy. One such move — banning new offshore drilling across 625 million acres of U.S. coastline — represents the culmination of what the White House touts as "the most ambitious climate and conservation agenda in our country’s history." But ambition, as history shows, is not always synonymous with wisdom.
This unilateral action, executed under the auspices of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953, epitomizes the Biden administration’s aggressive war on fossil fuels. It reflects a troubling shift away from the energy policies that have bolstered America’s economy and national strength for decades. By exploiting a narrow interpretation of the law — one that potentially prevents future presidents from reversing such bans — the administration seeks to cement its policy preferences long after its tenure.
The Costs of Energy Myopia
The consequences of this ban are far-reaching. Offshore drilling accounts for 14% of U.S. crude oil production, a vital piece of our energy puzzle. Denying access to these resources not only hampers our energy independence but also risks undermining the innovation and ingenuity that have transformed America into an oil and gas superpower. States like Texas, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania have seen transformative economic growth, driven by technological breakthroughs in shale oil and natural gas production. The ban disregards this progress and jeopardizes future advancements.
Moreover, Biden’s approach echoes the flawed energy policies of Europe, where green overreach has led to economic stagnation and high energy costs. Germany, once a global economic powerhouse, now serves as a cautionary tale. Burdened by exorbitant energy prices stemming from ill-advised green policies, its economy is faltering. America must avoid this trap.
A Legacy of Strength, Not Weakness
Rather than burdening the nation with policies that stifle growth, the next administration has an opportunity to reinforce America’s energy dominance. Former President Trump, who has been assembling an energy team with a proven track record, offers a blueprint for reclaiming a pragmatic approach to energy policy. This includes:
Reversing Biden’s Offshore Drilling Ban: Enlisting Congress to overturn the ban and restore access to untapped resources.
Streamlining Energy Infrastructure: Expediting the construction of pipelines, natural gas export terminals, and other critical infrastructure.
Rolling Back Green Subsidies: Repealing the Inflation Reduction Act’s distorting subsidies, which artificially inflate the role of renewables in electricity markets.
Rejecting Overregulation: Halting the maze of rules designed to phase out gas-powered vehicles and impose electric cars on an unwilling public.
Championing Innovation: Embracing technological advancements that unlock new energy potential and bolster America’s economic standing.
The Right Side of History
America’s shale-oil revolution has been a driving force behind its economic growth, contributing roughly a tenth of its expansion since the early 2000s. This energy abundance has weakened OPEC’s influence, a geopolitical victory that benefits both the U.S. and its allies. Yet, the Biden administration’s policies threaten to squander these hard-won gains.
The next administration must reject the green ideology that has hobbled Europe and instead double down on policies that harness America’s natural resources for economic and strategic advantage. This isn’t just about energy policy; it’s about ensuring that the U.S. remains a beacon of innovation, strength, and prosperity on the global stage.
America should be unapologetic in leveraging its oil and gas resources. They are not merely commodities; they are assets that underpin our economic might and geopolitical leverage. With the right leadership, the U.S. can chart a course that prioritizes common sense over ideology, securing a brighter and more prosperous future for all Americans.
