Rep. Davis Blasts Drilling Deal

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today Congressman Jim Davis strongly opposed the offshore drilling deal announced by House Resources Chairman Richard Pombo.  “The drilling proposal offered last year by Chairman Pombo was terrible for Florida and this proposal is even worse,” said Congressman Davis.

 

The proposal would allow oil and gas drilling as close as 100 miles from Florida’s shores, bringing rigs 200 miles closer to Tampa Bay and dangerously close to Florida’s white sand beaches. 

 

“Chairman Pombo’s proposal is an enormous sacrifice for Floridians.  100 miles of protection offers nothing more than a false sense of security to the countless Floridians whose livelihoods depend on our beautiful beaches.”

 

Experts on currents in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico have warned that a spill in this area could rapidly spread through the Florida Straits and up the East Coast, tarring the Florida Keys and Atlantic beaches along the way.  

 

“Florida’s representatives in Congress should not be gambling with Florida’s pristine beaches.  If Florida’s Congressional delegation allows this drilling proposal to pass, one spill could devastate our economy and spoil our beaches for generations to come.”