Rutherford Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Florida’s Coastline
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) introduced H.R. 6212, the Preserving Recreation, Oceans, Tourism, Environment, and Coastal Towns in (PROTECT) Florida Act to prevent drilling off Florida’s coast. This legislation codifies the moratorium on oil and gas leasing, seismic testing, and exploration in federal waters off the coast of Florida until 2032.
Florida’s economy relies on healthy and pristine beaches. According to NOAA, Florida’s coastal economy contributes approximately $760 billion to our nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) through tourism, fishing, and recreation.
“Florida’s coastal environment is a central part of our state’s economy and way of life,” said Congressman Rutherford. “That is why I have worked to protect our environment through prudent regulations that prevent unnecessary harm. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have voted several times to prohibit offshore drilling and seismic testing in annual funding bills. This commonsense, bipartisan bill would ensure our environment is preserved for generations to come.”
“Stopping offshore drilling and seismic testing in Florida is common sense – we’ve had a bipartisan united front on this issue for years,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “I’m proud to support the PROTECT Florida Act to codify the current moratorium on these activities and ensure our environment remains healthy for future generations of Floridians.”
“I am committed to promoting conservation efforts to keep Florida’s shores clean and our economy thriving,” said Congressman Mike Waltz. “Our state cannot afford offshore drilling operations that could invite devastation to our coastal environment, marine life, and tourism industry, as well as negatively impacting military training that takes place off of Florida’s coast.”
“Florida’s coastlines are essential to our economy and our way of life,” said Congresswoman Lois Frankel. “As we work to confront the urgent threat of the climate crisis, I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation to protect our natural resources and ensure we leave a sustainable planet for our children and grandchildren.”
In 2018, Florida voters overwhelmingly passed an amendment to the state constitution banning drilling in state waters. In 2020, President Trump signed an executive order to extend the drilling moratorium in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and create a moratorium in the South Atlantic and in the Straits of Florida until 2032. The PROTECT Florida Act would codify those protections for Florida.
Co-sponsors of H.R. 6212 include: Reps. Lois Frankel (FL-22), Mike Waltz (FL-06), Darren Soto (FL-09), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Brian Mast (FL-21), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Kat Cammack (FL-03), and Vern Buchanan (FL-16).
Access the full bill text here.
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