What environmental law stops oil drilling in and around the USA?

Question

Is this the reason fuel prices are so high?

Answer 1

There are two laws governing any country, the local laws and the international law, international law govern by the UN, I think what could stop oil drilling in and around the USA is the quick reservoir depletion faster than the government long term plans, or the amount of spill could change the marine life or destroy it, or the wastes of oil drilling and producing are not handled according to the country waste management systems and procedures, moreover if the drilling operation will take place near a future development lands,

All the above is not the reason for high oil prices, the prices goes up due to the high demand specially from China and India, for their fast developments, same happened with the steel

Answer 2

The ocean bottom belongs to some state, the USA, or an international body (not sure which international body controls international waters)  To drill you need a lease from who owns the ocean bottom.  It is not a law but whether or not the owner will lease.

Part of the reason.  Long term we badly need a replacement for oil.