This week, President Joe Biden announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters, more than 625 million acres, a move applauded by the Surfrider Foundation. As the organization points out, the “decision is protected under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which means that a new President cannot reverse it — only an act of Congress can do so.”

In an email to its members, Surfrider says this ban has been a longtime goal.

For over a decade, Surfrider has been fighting to stop offshore oil drilling. From defeating proposals in the Atlantic under the Obama administration to stopping plans for 90% of U.S. waters during Trump’s first term, Surfrider’s grassroots movement has been a driving force behind every major win against offshore drilling.

The Surfrider Foundation, based in San Clemente, strives "to protect our ocean, beaches, and coastal communities." In their statement on the new ban, Surfrider Foundation CEO Chad Nelson says:

“The Surfrider Foundation applauds the Biden administration for withdrawing these waters from future oil and gas leasing. Offshore drilling is a dirty and damaging practice that harms our ocean as well as communities and businesses, while worsening climate change. The President’s historic action is a key step toward ending oil and gas drilling in U.S. waters. We call on our federal leaders to take further steps to ensure that all U.S. coasts are protected from this harmful industry.”  

Read more about the organization and issues on their web site, https://www.surfrider.org/.