Environmental groups have sued to block President Donald Trump’s reversal of offshore drilling bans, arguing he lacks the authority to undo protections put in place by his predecessor.
In short:
- Environmental groups, including the Northern Alaska Environmental Center, filed lawsuits in Alaska federal court to stop Trump from overturning offshore drilling bans set by former President Joe Biden.
- A separate legal challenge seeks to reinstate protections for 128 million acres of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans that Trump attempted to open for oil leasing.
- Plaintiffs argue offshore drilling threatens endangered species, fragile ecosystems, and Indigenous communities while violating legal protections set in previous administrations.
Key quote:
“We defeated Trump the first time he tried to roll back protections and sacrifice more of our waters to the oil industry. We’re bringing this abuse of the law to the courts again.”
— Steve Mashuda, Earthjustice
Why this matters:
Offshore drilling can cause lasting environmental damage, from oil spills to disruptions in marine ecosystems. The Arctic and Atlantic regions in question are home to endangered species and play a role in regulating global climate. Expanding fossil fuel production also clashes with global efforts to curb emissions and transition to renewable energy. This legal battle will test the limits of presidential authority over environmental protections and could set a precedent for future administrations.
Related: Environmental groups prepare for legal battles against Trump administration
