Biden to block more offshore oil drilling before Trump arrives

President Joe Biden plans to issue an executive order banning new offshore oil and gas development in parts of US coastal waters before leaving office. This decision, rooted in a 72-year-old law, aims to provide lasting protections that are harder to reverse.

The move complicates President-elect Donald Trump's goals for increased domestic energy production. Biden has focused on conservation throughout his presidency and is set to protect more US lands and waters than any previous president.

Recent actions also include limiting oil, gas, and geothermal leases in Nevada's Ruby Mountains. Biden's administration has been exploring these protections for over two years, especially following Trump's victory.