This past week, a group of Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to President Donald Trump, opposing the administration’s plan to expand offshore oil and gas drilling, despite many of the legislators’ constituents facing high energy costs. Notably, the letter was led by Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Reps. Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).

The letter follows the Trump administration’s announcement of new offshore drilling plans, which have since shifted to remove the inclusion of federal waters off the Atlantic coast. The new plans still seek to allow rigs off of the California coast, a move Governor Gavin Newsom will likely oppose, based on his previous opposition to offshore energy development in the state.

Notably, it seems that Democrats cannot decide amongst themselves where they stand on the need to address affordability concerns. Just yesterday, nineteen New York State Assembly Democrats sent a letter urging Governor Kathy Hochul to indefinitely delay the state’s electrification mandate. Their concerns over grid readiness and transition costs are the same issues energy producers call out when policymakers attempt to limit domestic energy development.

As the U.S. Department of the Interior continues to refine its National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leasing program, consumers have sent a clear message: energy affordability should be top of mind.

Presidents Limiting Energy Development Has Been Ruled Unlawful

As Energy In Depth previously analyzed, a federal court in Louisiana recently ruled that the Biden administration’s attempt to ban offshore drilling leases was unlawful. The decision left no question: efforts to limit domestic energy development are not only against consumers’ best interests, they are also illegal.

The ruling followed widespread criticism of the Biden administration’s continuous attacks on the energy industry, including running the weakest offshore program in U.S. history.

In contrast, DOI under the current administration has been clear about its intentions to utilize offshore oil and gas lease sales in the OCS to spur domestic energy production and lower energy costs. As Interior Secretary Doug Burgum previously stated:

“Through a transparent and inclusive public engagement process, we are reinforcing our commitment to responsible offshore energy development—driving job creation, bolstering economic growth and strengthening American energy independence. Under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, we are unlocking the full potential of our offshore resources to benefit the American people for generations to come.” [emphasis added]

Lawmakers Ignore Economic Feasibility

The Democratic lawmakers’ letter opposing expanded offshore leasing is especially out of touch during a time when consumers in New Jersey and California are facing higher energy costs and is in stark contrast to efforts within their states to find a solution to lower prices. For instance, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, recently backtracked on his climate policies. However, it seems similar sensible shifts in energy policy will not expand to offshore leasing. As Politico reports:

“Even as legislators across the country grapple with energy affordability issues, pressuring prominent Democratic leaders like Gavin Newsom to soften their stance on the oil industry, the broad coalition signing onto the letter illustrates that offshore drilling remains a line few are willing to cross.”

It’s no secret that Californians face some of the highest energy costs in the nation, despite the state still being in the top ten U.S. states for oil production. The disconnect between costs and production is thanks to misguided policies, such as consistent opposition to expanded offshore energy development. By drafting the recent letter, state officials are doubling down on their anti-energy attacks, rather than listening to consumers’ affordability concerns.

New Jersey is no different. Electricity rates in the state are skyrocketing, contributing to wider affordability concerns. As EID has previously analyzed, state leaders, including Gov. Phil Murphy, have even gone as far as pursuing electrification mandates, ignoring abundant opposition. Similar to limitations on offshore leasing, the mandate fails to consider consumer costs.

On a national level, electricity prices are increasing, leading to widespread energy affordability concerns. According to a May 2025 survey from the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative (SECC), 31 percent of Americans say they have struggled to pay their electricity bills in the past year, an increase from last year’s survey 25 percent.

Energy is one part of a bigger problem, with Americans facing an overall affordability crisis. However, what makes energy different than some of the other costs facing consumers is that viable solutions are available. Policies that encourage energy development, such as expanding offshore leases, can have a tangible impact on lowering costs for consumers, and are something politicians should prioritize.

Bottom Line: Recent Democratic opposition to an expanded offshore oil and gas leasing program is only the latest politically-motivated action against the energy industry. The letter doesn’t change the message: energy development should not be subject to political whims and is an essential component of addressing consumers’ affordability concerns.