WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Gwen Graham joined Florida Representatives Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) Bill Posey (FL-08), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Lois Frankel (FL-22) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) in filing legislation to prohibit seismic testing for oil drilling along Florida’s Atlantic coast. Seismic testing is the first step in an effort to begin offshore drilling along the coasts of Florida.
Under current law, offshore drilling is prohibited off the Gulf Coast only. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) has introduced the companion legislation the U.S. Senate.
“North Florida felt first-hand the devastating effects an oil spill can have on our coast’s beaches, economy and way of life,” Rep. Graham said. “I’m committed to working with Republicans and Democrats in Florida’s delegation to ban offshore oil drilling and protect our state’s most important natural resources.”
The bill would reverse a July, 2014, decision by the Obama Administration to open the Atlantic Ocean, from Virginia to Florida, for seismic testing for future drilling sites.
“I was involved in the cleanup efforts following the BP oil spill in the Gulf Coast, and I refuse to sit by while Florida’s east coast could potentially be threatened from the devastating effects of offshore drilling.” said Rep. Murphy. “There is near-universal agreement in Florida that Atlantic offshore drilling is a bad idea. I will continue to work with members of our Congressional delegation, as well as state officials, to prevent protect our coastline and way of life.”
“There are strong concerns that these seismic activities can be harmful to undersea mammals like dolphins, disrupting their ability to communicate and navigate. This legislation enacts a moratorium off Florida’s coast so we can study the effects of seismic testing on our sea life,” said Congressman Bill Posey.