As the Donald Trump administration considers drilling for oil off Florida’s coast, the move is a nonstarter for many Florida Republicans, including some of the President’s most stalwart supporters.
The proposals include potential drilling in the Gulf of America “Program Area B” in 2029 and 2030, with Florida coming online after waters adjacent to other Gulf states become open starting in 2027.
The waters being considered are at least 100 miles off the coast, but the consequences of oil spills extend far beyond that.
“The new maps released today by (Interior Secretary Doug Burgum) and (the Department of the Interior) outlining potential new offshore oil drilling sites in the Gulf of America are HIGHLY concerning — and we will be engaging directly with the department on this issue,” U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody said.
“Preserving our state’s natural beauty is deeply important to the millions who call the Sunshine State home, our visitors, and those whose livelihoods depend on tourism. We must act quickly.”
Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, were already on record opposing changing prohibitions against drilling in federal waters since 1995. But Republicans are now exercised as well.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, who helped dissuade the Trump administration from such a plan in 2018, is still opposed.
“As Floridians, we know how vital our beautiful beaches and coastal waters are to our state’s economy, environment and way of life,” Scott said in a statement to The Associated Press. “I will always work to keep Florida’s shores pristine and protect our natural treasures for generations to come.”
“”Our Administration supports the 2020 Presidential Memorandum and urges the Department of Interior to reconsider and to conform to the 2020 Trump Administration policy,” Gov. Ron DeSantis told CNN.
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, Scott Franklin, Laurel Lee, Byron Donalds, Neal Dunn, Daniel Webster, Mike Haridopolos, and Vern Buchanan, have signed onto a letter of disapproval saying that drilling would interfere with military operations at Eglin Air Force Base.
The Interior Secretary says it’s about energy independence.
“By moving forward with the development of a robust, forward-thinking leasing plan, we are ensuring that America’s offshore industry stays strong, our workers stay employed, and our nation remains energy dominant for decades to come,” Burgum said in a statement reported by The Associated Press.
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report. Florida Politics Republished with permission.
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