As the Donald Trump administration considers reopening much of the U.S. coastline to offshore oil drilling, both of Florida’s U.S. Senators are demanding that the state remain off limits.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott introduced the American Shores Protection Act, which would codify a drilling moratorium at the Gulf and Atlantic coasts that Trump ordered during his first term.
“As Floridians, we know how vital our beautiful beaches and coastal waters are to our state’s economy, environment, and way of life,” the Naples Republican said.
“It’s why I have fought for years to keep drilling off Florida’s coasts and worked closely with President Trump during his first term to ensure they remain protected with the President’s moratorium, which bans oil drilling through 2032. I am proud to put these efforts into law with the American Shores Protection Act. I will always work to keep Florida’s shores pristine and protect our natural treasures for generations to come.”
While Scott was the Florida Governor, he pressed the Trump administration in 2018 to exclude Florida from any potential expansion of drilling. Ultimately, near the end of his first term, Trump announced an extension of the Atlantic Coast moratorium through June 2032.
Of course, Scott’s bill hits the hopper as Trump’s administration says drilling is “on the table” on the Atlantic Coast. An Interior Department memo was leaked to Texas media last month that discussed new drilling prospects on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as well as in the Gulf.
Notably, the reports at the time suggested that Florida would be excluded from any drilling plan. Scott’s bill goes further and seeks a complete ban on coastal drilling in the Eastern U.S.
Sen. Ashley Moody expressed Florida’s solidarity with Scott’s push for a federal ban.
“As a fifth-generation Floridian, preserving our state’s natural beauty is deeply important to me and the millions of those who call the Sunshine State home — as well as those who come to visit and vacation,” the Plant City Republican said.
“It is my mission to protect our state’s coastline for the next generation. Florida has made significant efforts to conserve its incredible natural resources, and I will continue this fight at the federal level. I appreciate my colleagues’ support as we work together to ensure oil drilling stays off our beaches and pass the American Shores Protection Act.”
