Florida Members Fight Drilling Proposals

 

WASHINGTON, DC – In a letter spearheaded by Congressman Jim Davis (D-Tampa) and sent to congressional leaders, members of Florida’s congressional delegation have once again expressed their united opposition to proposals to allow drilling off of Florida’s shores.

 

“Pro-drilling forces have set their sights on Florida’s waters,” said Congressman Jim Davis.  “If they can’t tear down the moratorium that protects our shores until 2012, they will do everything within their power to set the stage for unfettered drilling in the Eastern Gulf as soon as the moratorium expires.”

 

The attached letter highlights efforts by drilling proponents to insert drilling language in the Senate energy bill.  Specifically, the bill includes a provision calling for an “inventory” of natural gas and oil in the Outer Continental Shelf, including those waters under the protection of the moratorium.  This inventory would initiate pre-drilling activities in waters 11 miles off our shores, including the use of seismic testing which would threaten sea life and interfere with military activities in the Gulf.

 

Drilling proponents have also indicated their plans to offer an amendment to the energy bill to redraw state water lines, allowing Louisiana or Alabama to control drilling projects right off the coast of Pensacola – in the very same territory that Florida fought to protect when drilling proponents attempted to open lease sale 181 to drilling.

 

“Telling the citizens of Florida to sacrifice their shores to the hazards of drilling is like telling the citizens of Louisiana they have to give up Mardi Gras,” said Davis.  “Today, the Florida delegation told our congressional leadership that Floridians refuse to allow the federal government to foul our beaches.”

 

The bill also contains language to gut the Coastal Zone Management Act, one of Florida’s strongest tools for fighting drilling projects that threaten our environment.  When the energy bill was considered in the House of Representatives, Davis attempted to strike this language, but was not allowed to offer his amendment on the House floor.