In response to the news that President Biden invoked presidential authority under Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to withdraw more than 625 million acres of  the outer continental shelf from future oil and gas drilling, Evergreen Action Executive Director Lena Moffitt released the following statement:

“Today, President Biden took a critical step to safeguard our climate future by protecting our waters from offshore drilling—a resounding win for frontline communities and our climate. By ending these unpopular giveaways to Big Oil, President Biden is aligning federal policy with the urgent need to reject dangerous fossil fuel projects and protect our oceans and coastal communities from destructive drilling.

“Americans on both sides of the aisle support protecting our oceans from Big Oil giveaways. President Biden’s bold action today underscores that we cannot afford the continued expansion of oil and gas production if we are to meet our climate targets and avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis. It also ensures that vital public waters can no longer be exploited for corporate polluters’ profits, leaving frontline communities to shoulder the costs of cleanup and endure toxic pollution. As we enter an uncertain political era, this move solidifies progress toward a cleaner, safer climate future for all Americans.”

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