WASHINGTON - Senator John Kerry’s claim that America should “still be able to drill” off of Florida’s beautiful coastline is unacceptable and an assault to the legacy of prominent defenders of Florida’s environment from both sides of the aisle, according to Representative Adam H. Putnam (R-FL).

 “The Florida Congressional delegation on a bipartisan basis has consistently opposed efforts to drill off Florida’s Gulf Coast,” said Putnam, whose district stretches from Tampa Bay to the suburbs of Orlando.  “For Senator Kerry to suggest that it’s all right to drill off Tampa Bay shows how out of step he is with the people of the Sunshine State.”

 This is not the first time that Junior Senator from Massachusetts has suggested the drilling plan.  In 2002, a national labor union publicly criticized him for supporting expanded drilling off the coast of Florida.

 “While I am deeply concerned about America’s energy independence, it should not come at the expense of Florida’s environment,” Putnam said.  “If Senator Kerry would vote for the comprehensive energy bill that is languishing in the Senate, we could address America’s energy needs without relying on the Kerry Plan to drill off the Florida coastline.”

 “I hope that Senator’s Nelson and Graham will take a moment on the Senate floor to educate the Massachusetts Senator about the importance of Florida’s maritime ecosystems,” Putnam concluded.

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