Louisiana’s Attorney General is gearing up to challenge President Biden’s final attempt to restrict oil and gas expansion in coastal and offshore waters.
Key Facts:
• President Biden announced a ban on new offshore drilling across more than 625 million acres.
• Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is preparing a lawsuit to overturn Biden’s executive action.
• Murrill described the ban as “an attack on America’s energy independence.”
• President-elect Donald Trump pledged to roll back the measure once in office.
The Rest of The Story:
Attorney General Murrill shared her plan to file suit immediately, arguing that Biden’s restrictions will harm Louisiana’s energy industry.
Under the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Biden permanently stopped new offshore drilling in the designated areas.
Critics claim this move reduces America’s ability to develop its own fossil fuel resources, which could lead to higher energy costs.
Murrill noted that overturning the ban might be complicated.
Environmental groups are expected to step in and defend Biden’s policy in court.
She recalled previous legal battles during the Obama administration, emphasizing that her state has the experience and determination to contest this measure.
With just a couple of weeks until President-elect Trump takes office, some question how far the lawsuit will go once the White House changes hands.
Still, Murrill believes legal action cannot wait.
She maintains that the ban is detrimental to Louisiana’s economy, which is closely tied to offshore drilling and related industries.
After 4 years of incompetence & bureaucratic reign by DC over the American people, @JoeBiden’s parting gift is to attack America’s energy independence. This is a direct threat to our national security & the hard-working men & women of this Country. Lawsuit incoming – stay tuned.… pic.twitter.com/ZuUueCD6zw
— Attorney General Liz Murrill (@AGLizMurrill) January 6, 2025
The Bottom Line:
Louisiana’s plan to sue underscores long-standing tensions between federal environmental goals and local economic interests.
Biden’s ban aims to curb drilling and address climate concerns, while state officials worry about job losses and the region’s future.
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As Trump gears up to take control, the ultimate fate of these policies may shift yet again.