Say No to Offshore Drilling!

June 4, 2025

The Trump administration recently announced their intention to expand offshore oil and gas drilling in U.S. waters. More offshore drilling will spell certain disaster for marine ecosystems and the environment at large. It’s also financially unsound. What’s more, it’s not even necessary. 

Will you join us in opposing this reckless expansion of offshore drilling?

Global leaders are currently meeting in France for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC). Waterkeeper Alliance is also there—advocating alongside Waterkeepers from The Bahamas and Senegal for a strong UNOC declaration and bold environmental policies that will protect our oceans and communities from offshore drilling, an enterprise that is dangerous at every stage of its lifecycle.

Surveying and construction can send shockwaves to the surrounding area, which can harm and even kill marine life. The actual drilling releases untold toxins, heavy metals, and petroleum derivatives into the surrounding water. It also increases air pollution. Oil spills are far too likely, as evidenced by the fact that there have been nearly 50 large oil spills in U.S. waters since 1969.

Offshore oil drilling also requires onshore infrastructure for storage, processing, and transportation, resulting in pipelines and petrochemical plants built in coastal areas and frontline communities. This practice also contributes to plastic pollution as over 99% of plastics are made up of chemicals derived from fossil fuels. These onshore refineries pollute the air with carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and other toxins, threatening public health and impacting neighboring communities.

Expanded offshore drilling would also contribute to the extensive loss of coastal wetlands, leaving communities more vulnerable to flooding and extreme weather. What’s more, burning fossil fuels is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the U.S.

It’s also financially foolish. Offshore drilling poses a grave threat to coastal recreation, tourism, and fishing. These industries provide millions of jobs, hundreds of billions in GDP, and rely on a clean coastal environment. And that doesn’t even begin to address the expense related to health impacts, pollution, and clean ups.

The U.S. is already a net exporter of energy. Offshore drilling is a risky bet we do not need to make. We can’t afford to be locked into decades more of fossil fuel extraction, transmission, and combustion. Rather, now is the time to focus on alternative energy sources as opposed to sinking more time and money into the dangerous practice of offshore drilling. For the sake of our oceans, our communities, and our environment, we must resoundingly say no to more offshore drilling.  Together, we can make a difference.

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