Florida excluded from oil drilling discussion

Media release

March 7, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. – First, the government chose to disregard Florida’s delicate environment and vibrant economy with their proposal to expand drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Now, they’ve chosen to blatantly ignore the voices of Florida’s 18 million residents as well, says U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.

The Department of Interior’s proposal would bring the threat of oil spills closer than ever to Florida’s shore, and could potentially damage the tourism-based economy and restrict essential military training space.

As the debate over this issue continues, the department promised to solicit public reaction to their proposal. Yesterday, the department announced that they would hold meetings in “key coastal cities in the Gulf of Mexico”.

But when the list of 13 meetings was released, not a single Florida city was included excluding the state from the public review process.

Nelson, in a letter today to Interior Secretary Gail Norton, called the move “shocking,” and strongly urged the department to include at least one public hearing in Florida.

“They know this plan is bad for our state, and they know they face a lot of opposition if they come here,” Nelson says. “They’re purposely excluding us to advance this ill-conceived plan.”

Nelson introduced alternative oil drilling legislation with Republican Sen. Mel Martinez last month, and is continuing to fight all plans that place Florida’s coasts and economy in danger.

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