President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday to ease regulations on offshore drilling and eventually allow more to occur, particularly in the Arctic Ocean.

The order, which takes aim at last-minute Obama administration actions restricting drilling in the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, will likely have limited immediate impact owing to low oil prices, which make drilling in the affected areas economically unattractive. It specifically directs Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to consider leasing in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas, the Atlantic, and other areas.

In a signing ceremony, Mr. Trump touted the order as a way to move the country toward energy independence and lift restrictions that have curtailed job and economic growth.

“It’s going to lead to a lot of great wealth for our country, and a lot of great jobs,” he said.

Environmentalists decried his action as a damaging and politically motivated reversal of necessary protections for sensitive federal waters.