Rutherford Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Florida’s Coastline

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) introduced H.R. 6068, the Preserving Recreation, Oceans, Tourism, Environment, and Coastal Towns in (PROTECT) Florida Act, to prevent drilling off Florida’s coast. This bipartisan legislation codifies President Trump’s moratorium on oil and gas leasing, seismic testing, and exploration in federal waters off the coast of Florida until 2032.

Rutherford was joined by Representatives Jimmy Patronis (FL-01), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Mike Haridopolis (FL-08), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Darren Soto (FL-09), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Neal Dunn (FL-02), and Vern Buchanan (FL-16) in the House.

“Florida’s coastal environment is a central part of our state’s economy and way of life,” said Rutherford. “Floridians have spoken, and they do not want drilling off their coast. That is why I am proud to introduce the PROTECT Florida Act with my colleagues from Florida. This commonsense, bipartisan bill will ensure our environment is preserved for generations to come.”

Background

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.

The PROTECT Florida Act codifies protections for Florida’s coastline against offshore drilling guaranteed in President Trump’s 2020 executive order. It extends the GOMESA protections in the Eastern Gulf and creates a new moratorium for Florida’s Atlantic Coast and the Straits of Florida through 2032.