Trump plans huge oil drilling expansion off California and Alaska coasts

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration has proposed a significant expansion of oil drilling off the coasts of Alaska, California, and in the Gulf of Mexico, with plans for 34 lease sales through 2031, contrasting sharply with the Biden administration's limited program of only three lease sales in the Gulf [1][2]. Group 1: Proposed Lease Sales - The proposed program includes lease sales in 21 areas off Alaska's coast, six off the Pacific coast, and seven in the Gulf of Mexico, marking the first new lease in the Pacific since 1984 [2]. - The proposal aims to open untouched waters of Alaska to drilling, revive the offshore oil and gas industry in California, and offer waters off Florida's coast for leasing, which have not been available for decades [5]. Group 2: Political and Environmental Reactions - Interior Secretary Doug Burgum criticized the Biden administration for hindering offshore production by restricting oil and gas leasing [3]. - Over 100 Democratic lawmakers have expressed opposition to the proposed expansion, citing potential risks to health, tourism, fishing, and marine life [3][4]. - The Natural Resources Defense Council condemned the Trump plan as reckless, arguing it would have long-lasting negative impacts on the environment and communities reliant on these coastal areas [4][5].