Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Jodey Arrington, both Republicans from Texas, have introduced legislation aimed at repealing an executive order by President Biden that bans energy exploration on over 625 million acres of offshore territory. The order was issued on January 6, 2025.

Senator Cruz criticized the ban, stating, "President Biden’s ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling is an attack on American energy independence, jobs, and national security." He emphasized his commitment to overturning the executive action to restore what he described as energy dominance achieved under former President Trump.

Representative Arrington echoed these sentiments, describing the ban as part of a broader assault on domestic energy production. "Banning oil and gas production on millions of acres of offshore waters takes direct aim at American energy producers," he said.

The Oil & Gas Workers Association's President Matt Coday supported the legislative move, arguing that producing natural resources creates jobs and lowers costs for Americans. He expressed gratitude towards Cruz and Arrington for their efforts to overturn the ban.

Dustin Van Liew from EnerGeo praised Senator Cruz's leadership in introducing the Overturn Biden's Offshore Energy Ban Act. He highlighted the importance of increased exploration for maintaining a stable energy mix in the U.S., particularly emphasizing the role of the Gulf of Mexico.

Holly Hopkins from the American Petroleum Institute also welcomed efforts to reverse what she termed as a "disastrous" decision by the Biden administration. Erik Milito from the National Ocean Industries Association commended Cruz and Arrington for working to repeal what he called a politically driven ban.

President Biden's administration cited environmental, health, and economic risks when announcing the ban earlier this month. The decision faced opposition from over 2,300 officials and coastal communities but has been criticized by various energy organizations who argue it undermines domestic production and national security.