President Obama has issued a ban on new oil and gas drilling in US waters, as he attempts to leave his stamp on environmental policy before leaving office.
The ban affects almost 120 million acres of federal waters off Alaska and in the Atlantic.
Donald Trump, who succeeds President Obama next month, has said he will expand offshore oil and gas drilling.
Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau issued a similar ban in its own Arctic waters.
Mr Obama is using a provision in a 1953 law which says "the president of the United States may, from time to time, withdraw from disposition any of the unleased lands of the outer Continental Shelf".
Industry officials accused Mr Obama of "last minute political rhetoric".
"Instead of building on our nation's position as a global energy leader, today's unilateral mandate could put America back on a path of energy dependence for decades to come," said Dan Naatz of the Independent Petroleum Association of America.
Environmental groups hope the ban, despite relying on executive powers, will be difficult for future presidents to reverse.
"This decision will help protect existing lucrative coastal tourism and fishing businesses from offshore drilling, which promises smaller, short-lived returns and threatens coastal livelihoods," said Jacqueline Savitz of the advocacy group Oceana.
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