Dozen US States Oppose Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling, File Complaints with BOEM: A Look at Their Energy Mix, Policies, and Electricity Prices

Stu Turley

3 months ago

A coalition of twelve U.S. states has taken a stand against offshore oil and gas drilling, filing complaints with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to exclude Atlantic and Pacific Ocean planning areas from the upcoming 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. Led by Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, the coalition argues that offshore drilling threatens marine ecosystems, coastal economies, and state-level clean energy goals. This article examines the states involved, their electricity prices, energy mixes, and energy policies to provide context for their opposition.

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I find it amusing that the most expensive states for energy are among those that oppose drilling. The fact that offshore wind is even more detrimental to tourism, animals, and higher energy prices is now being more widely acknowledged. It seems that the states are piling on the green energy failures. Washington State has lower electricity prices primarily due to the presence of hydroelectricity in its state’s grid system. Washington has a diverse mix of nuclear, hydro, and gas power sources, but is only 10% renewable, which is key when calculating electricity prices.

The States Opposing Offshore Drilling

The coalition includes California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. These states, primarily along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, cite environmental risks, such as oil spills, and conflicts with clean energy laws as reasons for their opposition. Their comments to BOEM emphasize the economic importance of coastal tourism, fishing, and renewable energy, as well as the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Electricity Prices, Energy Mix, and Energy Policies

To understand the motivations behind these states’ opposition, we analyze their electricity prices (as of 2025, based on available data), energy mixes, and energy policies. Electricity prices reflect a state’s energy sources, infrastructure, and policy priorities, while the energy mix and policies reveal their commitment to renewables versus fossil fuels. Below is a state-by-state breakdown, with electricity prices sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) or recent web data where available, and energy mix/policy details drawn from state government sources and recent analyses.

1. California

Electricity Price: ~30.5¢/kWh (among the highest in the U.S.)
Energy Mix: ~50% renewables (solar, wind, hydro), ~35% natural gas, ~9% nuclear, ~6% other (2024 data).
Energy Policies: California aims for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. The state heavily invests in solar and offshore wind, with a 2018 law banning new offshore oil drilling in state waters. The Offshore Drilling Liability Act holds companies strictly liable for spills.
Context: High electricity prices stem from renewable energy infrastructure costs and regulatory burdens. Opposition to offshore drilling aligns with California’s aggressive clean energy goals and coastal protection priorities.

2. Connecticut

Electricity Price: ~26.1¢/kWh
Energy Mix: ~45% natural gas, ~40% nuclear, ~10% renewables (mostly solar and wind), ~5% other.
Energy Policies: Connecticut targets 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040, with investments in offshore wind (e.g., Revolution Wind project) and energy efficiency programs. The state restricts fossil fuel expansion to meet emission reduction goals.
Context: High prices reflect reliance on imported natural gas and nuclear maintenance costs. Offshore drilling opposition supports Connecticut’s shift to renewables and coastal tourism economy.

3. Delaware

Electricity Price: ~14.8¢/kWh
Energy Mix: ~60% natural gas, ~30% renewables (solar, wind), ~10% other (coal, biomass).
Energy Policies: Delaware aims for 50% renewable energy by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050. The state promotes offshore wind development and has laws limiting fossil fuel projects in coastal areas.
Context: Moderate prices benefit from natural gas but face upward pressure from renewable investments. Opposition to drilling protects Delaware’s beaches and emerging wind sector.

4. Maine

Electricity Price: ~23.4¢/kWh
Energy Mix: ~40% hydro, ~30% natural gas, ~20% wind, ~10% biomass/other.
Energy Policies: Maine targets 80% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2050. It has a moratorium on offshore oil drilling in state waters and supports offshore wind research.
Context: High prices are driven by rural infrastructure and renewable investments. Drilling opposition aligns with Maine’s renewable energy focus and fishing industry protection.

5. Maryland

Electricity Price: ~16.2¢/kWh
Energy Mix: ~40% natural gas, ~30% nuclear, ~20% renewables (solar, wind), ~10% coal/other.
Energy Policies: Maryland aims for 60% greenhouse gas reduction by 2031 and net-zero by 2045. The 2018 Offshore Drilling Liability Act imposes strict liability for spills, and the state supports offshore wind projects like Skipjack Wind.
Context: Moderate prices reflect a balanced mix, but renewable transitions increase costs. Opposition protects the Chesapeake Bay and supports clean energy goals.

6. Massachusetts

Electricity Price: ~27.8¢/kWh
Energy Mix: ~60% natural gas, ~20% renewables (solar, wind), ~15% nuclear, ~5% other.
Energy Policies: Massachusetts targets net-zero emissions by 2050, with heavy investments in offshore wind (e.g., Vineyard Wind). State laws restrict fossil fuel development in coastal areas.
Context: High prices result from natural gas reliance and renewable infrastructure costs. Drilling opposition supports Massachusetts’ leadership in offshore wind.

7. New Hampshire

Electricity Price: ~22.6¢/kWh
Energy Mix: ~50% nuclear, ~30% natural gas, ~15% renewables (hydro, wind), ~5% other.
Energy Policies: New Hampshire aims for 25% renewable energy by 2025 and supports regional clean energy initiatives. It lacks specific offshore drilling bans but aligns with regional opposition.
Context: High prices stem from nuclear and natural gas costs. Opposition reflects regional environmental priorities and limited coastal oil potential.

8. New Jersey

Electricity Price: ~18.9¢/kWh
Energy Mix: ~50% natural gas, ~40% nuclear, ~10% renewables (solar, wind).
Energy Policies: New Jersey targets 100% clean energy by 2050, with significant offshore wind development (e.g., Ocean Wind project). State laws prohibit offshore drilling in coastal waters.
Context: Moderate prices benefit from nuclear, but wind investments raise costs. Drilling opposition protects tourism and renewable energy goals.

9. New York

Electricity Price: ~23.7¢/kWh
Energy Mix: ~40% natural gas, ~30% nuclear, ~25% renewables (hydro, wind, solar), ~5% other.
Energy Policies: New York aims for 70% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. The state bans offshore drilling in state waters and promotes offshore wind (e.g., Sunrise Wind).
Context: High prices reflect urban demand and renewable transitions. Opposition protects coastal ecosystems and supports clean energy leadership.

10. Oregon

Electricity Price: ~13.2¢/kWh
Energy Mix: ~50% hydro, ~30% natural gas, ~15% wind, ~5% other.
Energy Policies: Oregon targets 100% clean electricity by 2040, with investments in wind and solar. State laws prohibit offshore drilling to protect coastal ecosystems.
Context: Low prices benefit from abundant hydro, but renewable expansions add costs. Drilling opposition supports Oregon’s clean energy and tourism priorities.

11. Rhode Island

Electricity Price: ~25.9¢/kWh
Energy Mix: ~70% natural gas, ~20% renewables (wind, solar), ~10% other.
Energy Policies: Rhode Island aims for 100% renewable energy by 2033, with leadership in offshore wind (e.g., Block Island Wind Farm). State laws restrict fossil fuel development.
Context: High prices reflect natural gas reliance and small grid size. Drilling opposition aligns with renewable energy leadership and coastal protection.

12. Washington

Electricity Price: ~11.8¢/kWh (among the lowest in the U.S.)
Energy Mix: ~60% hydro, ~20% natural gas, ~10% nuclear, ~10% renewables (wind, solar).
Energy Policies: Washington targets 100% clean electricity by 2045. The state bans offshore drilling in state waters and supports offshore wind research.
Context: Low prices stem from abundant hydropower. Opposition to drilling protects coastal ecosystems and aligns with clean energy goals.

Comparative Analysis

Electricity Prices: The coalition states have an average electricity price of ~20.4¢/kWh, significantly higher than the national average of ~14.5¢/kWh (EIA, 2024). California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut have the highest prices, driven by renewable energy investments, natural gas reliance, and urban demand. Washington and Oregon have the lowest, benefiting from hydropower.
Energy Mix: Most states rely heavily on natural gas (average 40%) and renewables (20-50%), with nuclear playing a significant role in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. Hydropower dominates in Oregon and Washington, while California leads in solar. Coal is minimal across the coalition.
Energy Policies: All states have ambitious clean energy targets, ranging from 50% renewable energy by 2030 (Delaware) to 100% clean energy by 2033 (Rhode Island). They prioritize offshore wind, with projects underway or planned in most states. Laws banning or restricting offshore drilling in state waters are common, reflecting environmental and economic priorities.

Why Oppose Offshore Drilling?

These states oppose offshore drilling due to:

Environmental Risks: Past oil spills, like Deepwater Horizon, highlight risks to marine life and coastal economies. The coalition’s comments to BOEM cite potential harm to fisheries, tourism, and ecosystems.
Clean Energy Goals: Offshore drilling conflicts with state laws mandating renewable energy and emission reductions. Offshore wind, a growing industry in these states, requires protected coastal areas.
Economic Priorities: Coastal tourism, fishing, and renewable energy jobs are economic drivers. Drilling threatens these sectors while offering minimal local benefits, as most offshore oil is exported or refined elsewhere.
Public Support: Nearly 400 municipalities and 2,300 officials across these states oppose offshore drilling, reflecting bipartisan concern for coastal protection.

Counterarguments and Context

Proponents of offshore drilling, including the Trump administration and oil-producing states like Louisiana, argue it enhances energy security and lowers fuel prices. However, only 14% of U.S. oil production comes from offshore leases, and many existing leases remain idle due to market saturation. Critics also note that liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports increase domestic energy costs, undermining claims of consumer benefits. The Trump administration’s push to expand leasing faces legal hurdles, as reversing Biden’s 625-million-acre drilling ban may require congressional action.

Conclusion

The twelve states opposing offshore drilling—California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington—are united by environmental, economic, and policy priorities. Their high electricity prices reflect investments in renewables and reliance on natural gas, while their energy mixes emphasize clean energy transitions. By opposing offshore drilling, these states protect coastal ecosystems and advance offshore wind, aligning with ambitious climate goals. However, their stance faces opposition from industry and political actors prioritizing fossil fuel expansion. As BOEM finalizes its leasing program, the debate over offshore energy will shape the nation’s energy future.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), state government websites, and web sources cited above. Electricity prices are approximate and based on 2024-2025 data.

Update and note that the California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has made wrong claims about gas prices:

Governors and attorneys general of a dozen US states are voicing their opposition to offshore oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Attorneys general of Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and, most recently, California filed comment letters with the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

The latest letter came from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who joined a coalition of 10 attorneys general in urging the federal government to exclude all planning areas in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from the upcoming 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program.

The final program will determine which ocean areas could be opened to lease sales for oil and gas activity during the current five-year planning period, which covers the period 2024-2029.

“President Trump is once again taking action to line the pockets of his Big Oil friends. This time, he’s expanding oil and gas development by attempting to drill in our coastal communities. There is no compelling need to risk our marine and coastal resources for the limited supplies of fossil fuels off our coasts,” Bonta said.

He pointed out that the US already produces more oil and gas than any other country and exports more than it uses, and that gasoline demand has been dropping since 2019, especially on the east and west coasts.

Separately, the governors of North Carolina and South Carolina opposed offshore drilling on their coasts in a letter to BOEM.

The Bureau is evaluating the American coastline for potential sites to drill for natural energy resources, and potential new leases could be given on the Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina coasts, which, by a resolution signed by President Donald Trump in his first term, are supposed to be protected until 2032.

In the bipartisan letter, Democratic governor Josh Stein and Republican governor Henry McMaster asked the administration not to lift the moratorium. The two Carolinas have around 800 km of ocean beaches and over 9,650 km of coastline.

“These decisions to protect the Carolina coast from offshore oil and gas exploration, development, and production were responsive to the significant bipartisan concerns of business leaders, residents, and local and state elected officials about the risks that these activities pose to the economy and environment of our states,” they wrote.

They added that every North Carolina and South Carolina coastal municipality has passed a resolution opposing offshore drilling and seismic testing, reaffirmed by other municipalities and counties, as well as state legislators and members of Congressional delegations from both parties.

This opposition to offshore drilling follows a total of 18 attorneys general filing a lawsuit in federal court in May challenging US president Donald Trump’s order to shut down offshore wind projects, stating that such a move was “unlawful and can jeopardise the continued development of a power source critical to the states’ economic vitality, energy mix, public health, and climate goals.”

The lawsuit names New York, Massachusetts, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington State as the plaintiffs.

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