Media: Biden prepares "parting gift" for Putin with offshore drilling restrictions

The Washington Examiner has published an article highlighting concerns regarding President Joe Biden’s upcoming actions to restrict offshore oil and gas development, a move that appears to be a boon for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As tensions continue between Russia and Ukraine, Biden’s energy policy decisions are being scrutinized, particularly when it comes to the impact on energy prices in Europe and the broader Western alliance.

In what some critics see as a parting gift to Putin, President Biden seems poised to restrict further offshore oil and gas development, despite the potential harm it may cause to US national interests and the interests of its allies. "Biden is set within days to issue the executive order barring the sale of new drilling rights in portions of the country’s outer continental shelf," Bloomberg reports. This move, while framed as an environmental measure, could strengthen Putin's position as he seeks to undermine the Western alliance structure by capitalizing on European frustrations with soaring energy prices.

The article notes that expanded US liquid natural gas (LNG) exports could help alleviate these concerns by offering a viable alternative to Russian energy sources, reducing Europe’s dependence on Putin’s gas. The increased LNG exports would not only provide relief to European countries but also bolster American jobs and global influence. However, Biden’s decision to impose these restrictions is seen by critics as motivated more by the desire to secure favour with far-left environmental activists than by a true concern for national security or global stability.

The piece emphasizes that President Biden’s actions appear to be in direct opposition to the needs of NATO and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently expressed hope for increased American gas supply to Europe, citing this as a crucial step toward stabilizing energy markets and reducing Europe’s reliance on Russian energy. "The more gas available on the market from Europe’s true partners, the sooner the last remaining consequences of Europe’s reliance on Russia will be eliminated," Zelenskyy said.

On the other hand, the article draws a stark contrast with former President Donald Trump’s approach to energy policy, which was far more confrontational toward Russia. Trump had imposed sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream II pipeline, a key part of Putin’s strategy to leverage Europe’s reliance on Russian gas for political leverage. In contrast, Biden waived sanctions on the pipeline, much to the chagrin of critics, and also suspended the permitting of new LNG export terminals in January of 2024.

While the Biden administration often touts the record levels of domestic energy output under its watch, the article argues that much of this growth was due to investments made years ago, under previous administrations. "Whether it’s the Keystone XL pipeline or natural gas development, Biden has decided to put the environmental lobby before the interests of jobs and cheaper energy for Americans and our allies," the article states. In doing so, Biden has strayed from his inaugural promises to be a “strong and trusted partner for peace, progress, and security.”

The piece concludes by urging that, should he return to office, President Trump should immediately shift gears on energy policy, recognizing that energy independence and supporting US allies should be central to America’s geopolitical strategy. With Europe and Ukraine increasingly relying on the US as a reliable energy partner, Trump’s instincts to “drill, baby, drill” could be seen as a welcomed shift, garnering gratitude from both Ukraine and America’s allies across the Atlantic.

By Tamilla Hasanova