Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Over Trump Offshore Drilling Orders

U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason dismissed a lawsuit on Monday challenging executive orders issued by Donald Trump to permit offshore drilling in coastal areas previously protected by former President Joe Biden. The lawsuit, filed in February 2025 by Earthjustice and the Northern Alaska Environmental Center, argued that the president lacked the authority to undo these protections and that drilling would harm Native American communities and endangered species.

Judge Gleason ruled that the legal challenge was premature because drilling activities in the affected federal waters are not imminent. The court declined to rule on whether a president possesses the legal authority to reverse a predecessor's coastal withdrawals, leaving the door open for plaintiffs to refile the case if offshore activities proceed.

Earthjustice expressed disappointment with the ruling but maintained that the administration's attempt to open withdrawn areas for oil leasing is unlawful. The organization stated it intends to pursue its claims if and when offshore activities appear on the horizon.