The Push for New Oil Drilling Off Florida's Coast
The oil and natural gas industries have mounted a huge push for new oil drilling at both the federal and state levels. Learn about the pros and cons of the issue, what's happening in Congress and the State Legislature, and how you can take action.
If you'd like to be notified when there are important development on this issue or when you can take action, look to the right and sign up in the "get involved" box.
General Info
Debunking the Drilling Propaganda:
The Top Five Myths About Gulf Oil Drilling
The oil and natural gas industries have launched a massive effort to convince legislators and the public to allow new drilling in the Gulf -- and they have persuaded plenty of people. But do their claims hold water?
Florida Newspapers Are Weighing in Strongly Against New Drilling
Newspaper editorial boards from Pensacola to Miami are weighing in against allowing new drilling near Florida's coasts. They decry the danger to Florida's vital tourism industry and environment, as well as the shortsightedness and ineffectiveness of new drilling as an energy strategy.
State Info & Action
The state legislature has the power to allow new drilling from three to ten miles off the coastline. Follow the links below to learn more about what happened in 2009 and how drilling advocates are gearing up for the 2010 session.
New Oil Drilling Off Florida's Coasts?
Apr 29, 2009
Taking advantage of a chaotic legislative session and huge budget gap, a last-minute amendment to allow drilling for oil and natural-gas 3 to 10 miles off the Florida coast passed a key House committee and the full House. A mysterious industry group has hired dozens of prominent lobbyists, including the wife of the Senate Republican leader to push the proposal.
Senate President Atwater Announced Thorough Study of Offshore Drilling
Nov 9, 2009
Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater announced that he recognizes that new offshore drilling has "serious ramifications" and the Senate will conduct a "thorough and comprehensive review of the implications."
Tell the Legislature: No Drilling Off Florida's Coasts!
A secretive coalition funded by the oil industry has hired dozens of powerful lobbyists to push the legislature to allow new drilling for oil and natural gas 3 to 10 miles off the Florida coast. Join thousands of Floridians in demanding that the Legislature and Governor stand firm in saying NO to drilling off Florida's coasts.
Contact Your Officials About New Drilling Off Florida's Coasts
Tell your state elected representatives where you stand on the House proposal to allow drilling for oil and natural gas 3 to 10 miles off Florida's coasts.
federal info and action
The federal government controls all drilling leases beyond 10 miles of the coast. In June, the U.S. Senate energy committee passed an amendment to the energy bill that would allow new drilling within 45 miles of Florida beaches (even closer in parts of the panhandle). The bill is still awaiting action in the Senate. Follow the links below to learn more.
Yet Another Push for More Drilling Off Florida's Coasts
Jun 23, 2009
After narrowly losing their fight to get the Florida Legislature to approve drilling within 10 miles of the coast, now the oil and gas drilling advocates have set their sights on Congress, convincing the Senate energy committee to pass an amendment allowing new drilling within 45 miles of Florida, closer in the Panhandle. Learn more and find out what you can do.
Sen. Bill Nelson: Promised oil revenue is a dry well for Florida
Jun 19, 2009 (S. Florida Sun-Sentinel)
Sen. Bill Nelson debunks the idea that new oil drilling will mean new revenue for Florida, explaining that federal law strictly limits uses of oil royalties.
Tell Your Federal Representatives Your Views on Gulf Drilling
Pending federal legislation would allow new drilling off Florida's beaches. Tell your Senators and Representative your thoughts on this important economic and environmental issue.