Biden's Offshore Energy Strategy: Balancing Drilling and Wind Expansion

President Biden's promise to halt oil and gas drilling on public lands and in federal waters has faced challenges from Congress and the courts, highlighting the limits of executive power. Despite initially pausing federal oil and gas lease sales, including Lease 261 in the Gulf of Mexico, due to concerns about their impact on global warming, the administration has faced legal battles and pressure from lawmakers. Senator Joe Manchin inserted language in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act requiring the sale of gas and oil leases, including Lease 261. The administration's attempts to limit drilling to protect endangered species have also faced legal challenges. The tug of war between climate activists and the oil and gas industry reflects the ongoing tensions as countries transition to clean energy.