The Trump administration announced plans on Thursday (November 20) to initiate new oil drilling off the coasts of California and Florida for the first time in decades. This move aims to expand U.S. oil production, which President Donald Trump describes as a step toward achieving "energy dominance" in the global market. The oil industry has long sought access to these offshore areas to enhance U.S. energy security and create jobs.

The federal government has restricted drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, including areas off Florida and Alabama, since 1995 due to concerns about oil spills. California has existing offshore oil rigs, but no new federal leases have been issued since the mid-1980s. The administration's plan includes six offshore lease sales off California's coast and n

See Full Page