WASHINGTON – Today, the Biden Administration announced it will protect more than 600 million acres of United States ocean along the East Coast, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, West Coast and areas off Alaska from offshore exploration and drilling. Anna-Marie Laura, Senior Director of Climate Policy at Ocean Conservancy, issued the following statement: 

“Today we are one step closer to securing a clean ocean energy future and we thank President Biden for taking this critical action to protect areas of our ocean from oil and gas drilling and exploration. Oil and gas development has wreaked havoc on our ocean through daily leaks, massive spills and extreme air and water pollution. We must, and can, end offshore oil and gas production and move toward responsible, renewable energy sources – like offshore wind – to protect our ocean, while remaining aligned with our goals for American energy security and independence.  

“Protecting these areas under Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act enjoys support across the aisle as well as up and down our country’s coastlines. The President has responded to calls from coastal towns, communities, tribal leaders, and countless others who depend on a clean, healthy ocean, and we are grateful for his leadership.” 

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ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY  

Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthier ocean, protected by a more just world. Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.