John Rutherford : Rep. Rutherford Statement Opposing Drilling Off the Coast of Florida

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman John Rutherford released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced their proposal to open up waters off Florida's coasts to oil and gas exploration:

Congressman Rutherford said, 'I am very concerned by today's announcement from Department of Interior Secretary Zinke that Florida waters would be considered for offshore drilling and exploration under the new 2019-2024 five-year drilling plan. Countless business owners and residents along the First Coast have shared with me their concerns about offshore drilling and exploration. Seismic testing and drilling put our recovering fisheries, our coastal communities, and our tourism-based economy at undue risk at a time when booming oil and gas production is more than enough to meet our current energy needs. I will continue working with Governor Scott and my colleagues in the Florida delegation to urge the Trump Administration to abandon this plan.'

In June, Congressman Rutherford led a bipartisan letter from more than 100 members of Congress to Interior Secretary Zinke voicing concerns with a proposal to issue seismic testing permits for the Atlantic Ocean. The letter can be found HERE.

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