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The Biden administration is restricting oil drilling and transport in the Gulf of Mexico after settling with environmental groups.

The groups argued that the oil industry put the endangered Rice’s Whale at further risk. The federal government is now voluntarily creating a protection zone stretching across the Gulf of Mexico. They’re also requiring all oil and gas companies to dial their transport speed back to 10 knots and banning nighttime travel.

But the National Ocean Industries Association criticized the move, saying these are “unwarranted restrictions on U.S. energy production at a time of continued inflation with prices rising at the pump.” For context, this offshore drilling is responsible for 15% of total US output.

The association’s president also says it’s likely to have adverse effects on crew safety, as well as energy security and affordability. Other industries can still transport through the protection zone without restrictions.

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