In an attempt to gain bipartisan support for wider climate and clean energy legislation, US President Barak Obama has opened up vast swathes of ocean off the Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico for offshore drilling as well as opening the seas off of northern Alaska for oil and gas prospecting. He said the move is part of a “broader strategy” to reduce dependence on foreign oil and increase a domestic clean energy supply. His broader strategy likely includes the passage of clean energy legislation.

Obama has also extended loan guarantees worth $8.33 billion for the construction of two new nuclear power plants, touting it as a piece of the puzzle for increasing the supply of low-carbon energy. “To meet our growing energy needs and prevent the worst consequences of climate change, we'll need to increase our supply of nuclear power. It's that simple,” Obama said.

The moves are seen as a pragmatic way to gain bipartisan support for forthcoming climate and energy legislation. The passage of the landmark healthcare bill has opened up a legislative window. And with the approach of midterm elections in November, Obama is keen to further his clean energy and climate agenda before the vote reorganizes the House and Senate, likely in favour of the Republicans.

By Jeff Beyer, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)