We are a diverse coalition of Floridians opposed to drilling for oil and gas off the Florida coast. Drilling is dangerous, slow, impractical and dirty. It threatens a $65 billion tourism industry: our pristine beaches and Florida’s abundant and diverse wildlife.
The push to drill in Florida is bankrolled by Texas oil companies who are purchasing influence and meddling power in our state’s affairs. It’s reported that since May 2009, the oilmen have contributed “$55,000 to political parties, $35,000 to Republicans and $20,000 to Democrats”. They’ve hired big-shot lobbyists, pollsters and PR gurus, and have recruited Senator Mike Haridopolos and Representative Dean Cannon to sponsor legislation.
The past state legislative session (2009) saw the House pass HB 1219, which would allow nearshore oil and gas drilling as close as 3 miles off our coast. The only thing that prohibited it’s passage from the Senate was time, as the bill was silently pushed to the forefront of House affairs during the last week of session in an attempt to catch any opposition off guard.
Less than 10 years ago, both Florida’s Republicans and Democrats were united in opposition to this terrible idea. Big oil companies will not be denied next time unless the people of Florida can re-establish nearshore oil drilling as a non-partisan “third rail.” Those legislators and public officials that support nearshore drilling, we demand you change your vote. We must act now and let our legislators know that Floridians will never support offshore drilling!
DON’T DRILL FLORIDA.