<h1>Biden Bans New Offshore Drilling in Most U.S. Federal Waters, Protecting 625 Million Acres Under OCSLA.</h1> President Joe Biden has announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. federal waters, aiming to prevent the incoming administration from expanding drilling activities. This decision, made under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, protects over 625 million acres along the East and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska's Northern Bering Sea. While it doesn't affect the Gulf of Mexico's primary drilling areas, it aligns with Biden's climate-focused agenda. Environmental advocates praised the move, though it faces criticism from supporters of increased drilling. The ban could be challenging for the next administration to reverse without congressional action.