The final days of the Joe Biden administration have become a frenzied race to cement his legacy through executive actions and midnight regulations. As Americans prepare for President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Biden’s team is working overtime to create roadblocks for the incoming administration.
In what many conservatives view as a calculated attempt to handcuff Trump’s promised energy revolution, Biden has unleashed a wave of last-minute policy changes that could take years to unravel.
These eleventh-hour maneuvers have raised alarm bells among Republican lawmakers and industry leaders alike. Indeed, they’re warning of devastating economic consequences for working Americans.
Biden’s Last-Minute Sabotage
Now, in perhaps his most brazen move yet, Biden has announced a sweeping ban on all new offshore oil and gas drilling along most of America’s coastline. This will affect an astounding 625 million acres of federal waters. Let that sink in for a moment – 625 million acres of American energy potential, locked away with the stroke of a pen.
The unprecedented restriction covers the entire Atlantic coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and significant portions of Alaska’s waters. It’s a blatant attempt to derail America’s energy independence just days before Trump takes office.
“I’ll unban it immediately,” Trump declared in response to the announcement. “I have the right to unban it immediately. It’s ridiculous.”
And honestly, who can blame him? While Americans struggle with energy costs, Biden’s playing political games with our energy independence.
Sadly, energy experts warn the reality may be more complicated. Biden’s team carefully crafted the ban using the obscure Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953. This allows presidents to withdraw areas from mineral leasing and drilling – but notably doesn’t grant clear authority to reverse such withdrawals.
Mike Sommers, president of the American Petroleum Institute, urged swift action to counter Biden’s move.
“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,” he said in a statement.
What The Mainstream Media Isn’t Telling You
Here’s what the mainstream media won’t tell you about the real impact: The economic implications could be staggering. While the Biden administration claims many affected areas have limited drilling potential, industry analysts point to significant unexplored resources, particularly in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The ban threatens thousands of potential jobs and billions in economic activity.
“This is about more than just energy production,” said Chris Wright, Trump’s nominee for Energy Secretary. “It’s about American energy independence, national security, and working-class jobs that support families across our coastal communities.”
The timing of Biden’s announcement – just fourteen days before Trump’s inauguration – has drawn sharp criticism from conservative leaders who see it as a deliberate attempt to sabotage Trump’s promised energy renaissance. During his campaign, Trump pledged to “unleash” domestic fossil fuel production to lower gas costs and restore American energy dominance.
Legal experts note that reversing Biden’s ban may require an act of Congress, as demonstrated by a 2019 court ruling that blocked Trump’s previous attempt to overturn Obama-era drilling restrictions. With Republicans now controlling Congress, legislative action remains possible but could face procedural hurdles.
For American families already struggling with inflation and high energy costs, Biden’s latest move threatens to further strain household budgets. As Trump prepares to retake the White House, the battle over American energy independence appears far from over.
The message is clear: Biden may be leaving office, but his administration is determined to leave behind a web of regulatory barriers that could take years to dismantle. As January 20th approaches, Americans are left wondering what other obstacles Biden might attempt to create in his final days in office.
Key Takeaways:
- Biden’s 11th-hour drilling ban locks away 625 million acres of American energy resources.
- Trump pledges immediate action, but legal experts warn reversal may require congressional intervention.
- The move threatens thousands of American jobs and risks higher energy costs for families.
- The pattern of last-minute Biden regulations is designed to obstruct Trump’s energy independence agenda.
Sources: Daily Mail, Reuters, BBC, NBC News
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