Crenshaw Keeps Promise to Protect Florida's Coast, Opposes Energy Bill Provision That Could Lead to Drilling

Crenshaw Keeps Promise to Protect Florida's Coast, Opposes Energy Bill Provision That Could Lead to Drilling

Congressman Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) today kept his promise to protect Florida's coast from oil and gas drilling by opposing the conference report for H.R. 6, The Energy Policy Act of 2005. Today, the United States House of Representatives took action on a long overdue energy bill. Unfortunately, the legislation was riddled with provisions that a near unanimous Florida Congressional Delegation opposed.

"Provisions included in the Energy Policy Act will potentially set in motion efforts to allow drilling in Florida's sensitive coastal areas. Since my arrival in Washington, I have steadfastly supported the moratorium on off-shore drilling on Florida's coast," Crenshaw stated. "Our pristine beaches and sensitive coastal areas are among the most beautiful in the world and Florida's Congressional Delegation has worked tirelessly to make sure our beaches remain beautiful for our children and grandchildren. Our environment and economy depend upon it, and the risks are too great to chance."

Among the provisions added to the Energy Policy Act during the House-Senate conference on the bill was language which allows for the inventory of oil and gas assets off Florida's coast. The language does not impact a Federal moratorium on drilling, but it does establish policies that set in motion the expenditure of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to perform inventories off the coast of Florida.

"This bill is the first step in the process of opening Florida's waters to drilling," Crenshaw said. "I have consistently supported a sound national energy policy; however, I am disappointed that such a positive achievement of this Congress was marred by provisions that could be so detrimental to Florida."

http://crenshaw.house.gov/crenshaw-web/proc/?pa=universal&sa=showPr&itemId=261