The Atlantic | Can Trump Reverse Obama's Arctic-Drilling Ban? The Atlantic Under that law, the president can sell leases for the right to mine federal oil reserves in the “outer continental shelf,” a legally defined area that begins three miles from shore and extends to the 200-mile international-waters boundary. Under a twin ... US and Canada prevent oil drilling in Arctic waters Obama's move to stop arctic drilling forever could thwart Donald Trump's oil ambitions US and Canada declare their Arctic waters off-limits for oil exploration |