20 December 2016, 21:33 GMT
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The move is expected to ban oil and gas activities in 31 major Atlantic canyons.
"Today’s action withdraws from oil and gas leasing, exploration and development in the remaining 31 major Atlantic canyons that are not already protected by the National Monument ensuring these unique biological and ecological resources will not be impacted by any future oil and gas activities in this area," the White House said.
The release explained that the canyons are located in US waters along the Atlantic continental shelf break, from Heezen Canyon offshore New England to Norfolk Canyon offshore the Chesapeake Bay.
