U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) has introduced new bipartisan legislation aimed at preventing oil and gas drilling off Florida’s coast. The bill, known as the Preserving Recreation, Oceans, Tourism, Environment, and Coastal Towns in (PROTECT) Florida Act (H.R. 6068), seeks to extend a moratorium on offshore energy exploration until 2032.
Rutherford was joined by several other representatives from Florida in introducing the bill. These include 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).
“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.”
The proposed legislation would codify protections established under President Trump’s 2020 executive order by prohibiting oil and gas leasing, seismic testing, and exploration in federal waters off Florida’s coast through 2032. It also extends Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act protections in the Eastern Gulf and establishes a new moratorium for both Florida’s Atlantic Coast and the Straits of Florida.
Florida’s coastal economy plays a significant role in the national economy through sectors such as tourism, fishing, and recreation. According to NOAA estimates cited by Rutherford’s office, these activities contribute about $760 billion annually to the U.S. gross domestic product.
John Rutherford has represented Florida’s 5th district in Congress since 2017 after succeeding Ander Crenshaw [source]. Before his tenure in Congress, he served in the Florida House of Representatives [source]. Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1952, Rutherford now resides in Jacksonville [source] and graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree [source].
