POLITICO Energy Trump’s new oil drilling target: the Atlantic and Pacific oceans
Oct 24, 2025
Ben Lefebvre, Deputy Energy Editor at POLITICO, unpacks the Trump administration's controversial proposal to open the Atlantic and Pacific oceans for oil drilling. He discusses the anticipated bipartisan backlash, particularly for California Governor Gavin Newsom, who faces a political dilemma balancing energy needs with environmental concerns. Lefebvre also reveals insights into the industry's lukewarm interest in this move and highlights concurrent decisions to open Alaska's wilderness for drilling and mining, raising further environmental alarms.
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Administration Eyes Atlantic And Pacific Offshore Drilling
- The Trump administration plans to propose opening federal Atlantic and Pacific waters for oil drilling in a new five-year offshore lease plan.
- This would reverse longstanding closures and reshape the federal framework for routine offshore lease sales.
Zinke's 'Everything On The Table' Move Backfired
- Ryan Zinke once announced everything would be on the table then exempted Florida, which triggered legal and procedural problems.
- That sequence stalled the first-term Trump plan and David Bernhardt had to abandon it.
Policy Move Seems More Political Than Market-Driven
- Industry sources say major oil companies show little appetite for new drilling in the Atlantic or Pacific due to technical and political challenges.
- Opening those waters appears more aimed at creating political pressure than meeting strong industry demand.