The Trump administration on Thursday unveiled a sweeping plan to open new offshore oil drilling near California and Florida for the first time in decades, triggering immediate and bipartisan backlash from coastal leaders who warn the move threatens fragile ecosystems and vital tourism economies.

The proposal marks one of President Donald Trump’s most consequential steps yet to boost U.S. fossil fuel production as part of his pledge to achieve what he calls American “energy dominance.”

Why It Matters

The announcement represents a major reversal from policies under former President Joe Biden, whose administration sought to curb offshore drilling and expand clean energy development to confront climate change. Since returning to office in January, Trump has sharply upended that approach—b

See Full Page