WASHINGTON (AP) — Florida’s Republican-dominated congressional delegation is urging the Trump administration to drop a plan that would allow new oil drilling for the first time in decades off the state’s coast.
A letter signed by Republican Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody — as well as by all 28 House members from Florida — claims the Interior Department plan would put the state’s thriving tourism industry at risk and disrupt military operations in a key training area.
“In 2020, you made the right decision to use executive action to extend the moratorium on oil and gas leasing off Florida’s Gulf and east coasts through 2032, recognizing the incredible value Florida’s pristine coasts have to our state’s economy, environment and military community,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to President Donald Trump.
This letter represents a rare pushback against the Republican president from GOP lawmakers, reflecting the significant economic importance of Florida’s beaches and coastal waters.
Notably, the letter does not criticize Trump, whose Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, is not impacted by the drilling proposal. Instead, they praised him for previously imposing a moratorium on drilling during his first term.
The moratorium received overwhelming bipartisan support, highlighting the strong sentiments regarding the impact of oil drilling on Florida's economy and ecosystems.
“We urge you to uphold your existing moratorium and keep Florida’s coasts off the table for oil and gas leasing. Florida’s economy, environment and military readiness depend on this commitment,” they emphasized.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced a five-year offshore drilling proposal last month that includes new drilling off the California and Florida coasts, suggesting that it could harm coastal communities and ecosystems. This initiative comes as Trump seeks what he calls “energy dominance” in the global oil market.
The oil industry has long sought access to these offshore areas, with hopes of boosting energy security and job creation. However, the federal government suspended drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, which includes parts off Florida’s coast, due to concerns about oil spills since 1995.
In response, Scott expressed his pride in leading Florida’s congressional delegation urging the president to maintain the moratorium via a post on X.
A spokesperson for the Interior Department indicated that while they do not comment on congressional correspondence, all communications are taken seriously and thoroughly reviewed.
As Interior accepts public comments until late January on the proposal including up to 34 potential offshore lease sales by 2031, dissent continues to arise from lawmakers and residents of Florida.
