After unprecedented bipartisan congressional opposition to President Trump’s proposed measure to open up Florida’s coastline to offshore oil drilling, the administration buckled under the pressure and has announced that it will no longer consider the state of Florida “for any new oil and gas platforms.”
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, who as tapped by the president to jumpstart a new offshore oil drilling boom, praised Florida Governor Rick Scott for his efforts to promote the Trump agenda, and his concerns over the idea of drilling for oil off his state’s coastline.
"I have witnessed Governor Scott's leadership through hurricane season and am working closely with him on Everglades restoration. He is a straightforward leader that can be trusted. President Trump has directed me to rebuild our offshore oil and gas program in a manner that supports our national energy policy and also takes into consideration the local and state voice. I support the governor's position that Florida is unique and its coasts are heavily reliant on tourism as an economic driver. As a result of discussion with Governor Scott's [sic] and his leadership, I am removing Florida from consideration for any new oil and gas platforms."-Ryan Zinke, Secretary of the Interior
Democratic Senator Bill Nelson was one of those voices of opposition.
This political stunt from Secretary Zinke has left us with a lot of unanswered questions. If the administration does in fact have a new offshore drilling plan that takes Florida “off the table,” the public has a right to see it. #GiveUsTheDetails #ShowUsThePlan pic.twitter.com/XgDZ2gV4KR
— Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) January 10, 2018
