Opposition to oil drilling off Florida's east coast unites both parties
Share this @internewscast.com

The feds are considering opening up nearly all of U.S. coastline to oil drilling potential.

The federal government is contemplating a new initiative that would permit oil drilling along almost the entire U.S. coastline. This would include regions like Florida’s east coast, which currently has a drilling ban in place.

It appears this issue is one in which both sides of the aisle agree: they don’t want oil drilling in Florida’s Atlantic waters.

At present, Florida’s eastern shoreline is protected by a moratorium that prevents drilling within three miles into federal waters.

However, the federal government is thinking about changing that.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is welcoming public opinions for a period of 45 days regarding a proposal that aims to open up nearly the entire U.S. coastline for oil exploration.

“This is a decision that could dramatically impact our way of life in St. Johns County and northeast Florida for the inherent risks offshore drilling brings,” Hunter Miller said. He is the senior field campaigns manager for Oceana, an environmental watchdog group. 

Environmental groups such as Oceana are opposed to oil drilling, arguing it would negatively hurt marine life,  the state’s major tourism industry, and Floridians’ quality of life.

And it’s expected that environmental groups, which often lean left, would oppose oil drilling in coastal waters.

However, many Republican leaders in the state also don’t want drilling off Florida.

“I am not supportive of drilling off Florida’s coast,” Denver Cook told First Coast News Thursday. He is St. Johns County’s Chairman of the Republican Executive Committee.

He added, “I can’t think of one person who would say, ‘Yes. Let’s drop some oil wells off of there, and that’s what we’re looking for in Florida.'”

And that’s even when Republican President Donald Trump gets cheers from audiences when he says, “Drilling. Drill. Drill. Dril!.’

Cook noted that tourism and agriculture industries are vital to Florida and “the negative impact on those, would impact Floridian’s greatly.”

Cook said, “Drilling is an important part of the president’s efforts to making us energy independent and our national security. So I understand that. That said, drilling everywhere was never his plan.”

Miller from Oceana said, “We absolutely should be creating our own energy, and we really need to be investing more into more sustainable renewable energy like solar, like wind, and for the oil and gas industry there right now, we’re producing more oil in history than ever before.”

We asked Cook if it’s his view that people from parties agree on their stance on this issue. He said, “I think the citizens of Florida probably agree on it, and I would put it that way.” \

“Once it’s done, it’s done. It’s a forever decision, so we have to make sure that we’re dong everything we can to protect our coast,” Miller said. 

The federal agency is taking public comment about the issue from now through July 16. Click here for more information. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Florida Gov. DeSantis enacts new DUI penalties

Florida Governor DeSantis Implements Stricter DUI Penalties

The laws cover a range of topics, including the implementation of the…
Navy sailor vanishes without a trace as mother reveals concerning break in daily habit

Navy Sailor Mysteriously Disappears: Mother Highlights Unusual Change in Routine

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Virginia authorities are searching…
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez has bond set at $1 mill

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez’s Bail Set at $1 Million

If he posts bond, Lopez will be required to wear a GPS…
French report identifies Muslim Brotherhood threat as Ted Cruz seeks US terror designation for group

French Report Flags Muslim Brotherhood Threat Amid Ted Cruz Pushes for US Terror Label

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! President Emmanuel Macron of…
Midea air conditioner recall: Nearly 2 million units recalled due to mold risk

Midea A/C Recall: Close to 2 Million Units Recalled Over Mold Concerns

As the weather begins to heat up ahead of summer, you may…
Pope makes plea for peace with Ukraine in call with Putin

Pope Urges Peace in Ukraine During Call with Putin

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! In his first conversation…
How NYC is stepping up to stop attacks on Jews before they happen

NYC’s Proactive Measures to Prevent Anti-Semitic Attacks

They were young and idealistic, and devoted their lives to peace. Yaron…
Current air quality Chicago: AQI high in Illinois, Indiana counties with air quality alert due to 2025 Canadian wildfires

Chicago’s Air Quality Update: High AQI in Illinois and Indiana Due to 2025 Canadian Wildfires; Air Quality Alert Issued

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago area is under an air quality alert…
Delta Air Lines passenger drunkenly slugged retiree over reclining seat: lawsuit

Lawsuit Claims Drunken Delta Passenger Punched Senior Over Reclined Seat Dispute

A retired woman mourning her son’s death was allegedly punched in the…
Tony Awards: How to watch, top nominees, and performances

Tony Awards: Viewing Guide, Leading Nominees, and Must-See Performances

This year’s award show has several chances to make history. NEW YORK…
LA28 organizers confident Trump's latest travel ban won't affect Los Angeles Olympics

LA28 Organizers Assure That Trump’s Recent Travel Ban Won’t Impact Los Angeles Olympics

LOS ANGELES — The preparations for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles…
Tesla stock drops as Trump and Musk's public feud escalates

Tesla Shares Decline Amid Increasing Tension Between Trump and Musk

By the end of the trading day, $150 billion of Tesla’s value…