Duval Times

Congressman John Rutherford of Florida has introduced a bipartisan bill to protect Florida's coastline from drilling and seismic testing. The bill, known as the Preserving Recreation, Oceans, Tourism, Environment, and Coastal Towns in (PROTECT) Florida Act, aims to codify the existing moratorium on oil and gas leasing, seismic testing, and exploration in federal waters off the coast of Florida until 2032.

Florida's coastal economy is a significant contributor to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) through tourism, fishing, and recreation. According to NOAA, it contributes approximately $760 billion. Recognizing the importance of the coastal environment to the state's economy and way of life, Congressman Rutherford has been actively working to protect it through prudent regulations.

Speaking about the bill, Congressman Rutherford stated, "Florida's coastal environment is a central part of our state's economy and way of life. That is why I have worked to protect our environment through prudent regulations that prevent unnecessary harm." He further emphasized his commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.

Congressman Darren Soto also expressed his support for the PROTECT Florida Act, stating, "Stopping offshore drilling and seismic testing in Florida is common sense – we've had a bipartisan united front on this issue for years." Congressman Soto believes that codifying the current moratorium on these activities is essential to ensure a healthy environment for future generations of Floridians.

Congressman Mike Waltz echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to promote conservation efforts and protect Florida's shores. He highlighted the potential devastation that offshore drilling operations could bring to the coastal environment, marine life, tourism industry, and military training that takes place off Florida's coast.

Congresswoman Lois Frankel, another supporter of the bill, emphasized the significance of Florida's coastlines to the state's economy and way of life. She stated, "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."

The PROTECT Florida Act seeks to codify the existing protections against drilling in Florida. 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 extending the drilling moratorium in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and creating a moratorium in the South Atlantic and the Straits of Florida until 2032. The PROTECT Florida Act aims to ensure that these protections are legally binding.

The bill has garnered support from several co-sponsors, including Representatives Lois Frankel, Mike Waltz, Darren Soto, Mario Diaz-Balart, Scott Franklin, Gus Bilirakis, Carlos Gimenez, Maria Elvira Salazar, Daniel Webster, Brian Mast, Byron Donalds, Neal Dunn, Kat Cammack, and Vern Buchanan.

With the introduction of the PROTECT Florida Act, Congressman Rutherford and his bipartisan co-sponsors are taking a proactive step to safeguard Florida's coastline and preserve its natural resources for future generations. The bill aims to ensure that the moratorium on drilling and seismic testing remains in place until 2032, providing long-term protection for Florida's environment and economy.

Click this link to access more information: https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rutherford-introduces-bipartisan-bill-protect-floridas-coastline