President Trump expanded a ban on exploratory drilling off the coasts of North Carolina and Virginia, his latest extension of an existing offshore drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico.
The memorandum, which Trump signed on 25 September, "prevents consideration of this area for any leasing for purposes of exploration, development, or production during the 10-year period beginning on July 1, 2022, and ending on June 30, 2032."
The memo makes clear that the ban on leasing does not apply if it is for "environmental conservation purposes, including the purposes of shore protection, beach nourishment and restoration, wetlands restoration, and habitat protection."
It stands in contrast to the Trump administration's record of supporting oil and gas production and rolling back rules on greenhouse gas emissions.
Trump announced the move at a campaign event in Virginia. But, even as he announced the action, Trump immediately indicated a willingness to walk things back. "If you want to have oil rigs out there, just let me know—we'll take it off," he told the crowd. "I can understand that, too."
The expanded drilling moratorium comes just 2 weeks after Trump prohibited drilling off both Florida coasts, as well as off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. Trump compared himself to President Teddy Roosevelt, who had a lifelong passion for nature.
"No. 1 since Teddy Roosevelt," Trump said in Florida, the New York Post reported. "Who would have thought, Trump is the great environmentalist?"