Peterson Amendment Devastating for Florida

Mack: Peterson Amendment Devastating for Florida
21 Members of Florida's Congressional Delegation Join Mack in letter to House Resources Chairman Richard Pombo Rebuking Amendment

September 29, 2005 -
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) today rebuked an amendment to the National Energy Supply Diversification and Disruption Prevention Act which lifts the presidential and congressional moratoria on natural gas production along Florida's Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Mack's comments came during a press conference this afternoon where he was joined by more than seven members of the Florida Congressional Delegation.

Mack said:

"Floridians from every corner of our state stand solidly behind the ideal that we need to do all we can to protect Florida's fragile coastline from environmental disasters.

"That's why the Florida Congressional Delegation is strongly opposed to the amendment offered by Congressmen Peterson and Abercrombie. This amendment opens Florida's sensitive coast to natural gas production and poses grave danger to our environment and our economy.

"Today I was joined by 21 members of our delegation stating in no uncertain terms that this measure can not be allowed to stand and that we will not support any legislation that includes the Peterson/Abercrombie amendment or similar language.

"I urge my colleagues in the House to stand with Florida in rejecting this devastating proposal."

The amendment, introduced by Congressmen John Peterson (R-PA) and Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) was adopted by the House Resources Committee yesterday. The Committee also approved the Energy Supply Diversification and Disruption Prevention Act which next moves to the full House for Consideration.

EDITORS NOTE: The Text of the Florida Delegation to Congressman Pombo follows.

September 29, 2005

The Honorable Richard W. Pombo
Chairman
Committee on Resources
United States House of Representatives
1342 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Mr. Chairman:

We are writing to express our grave concern regarding legislative efforts to weaken the existing offshore drilling ban off Florida's fragile coastline.

As you know, the existing ban, which has had strong bi-partisan support, was put in place to protect Florida's highly fragile ecosystem. Eliminating the drilling ban poses a clear danger to our environment and an economy that are inextricably linked.

During the House Resources Committee's markup of the National Energy Supply Diversification and Disruption Prevention Act, the Committee adopted the Peterson/Abercrombie amendment which would lift the presidential and congressional moratoria on natural gas production along the country's Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

This reckless approach not only opens Florida's pristine coast to natural gas production, but it poses a catastrophic risk which can not stand. Under no circumstances can we support legislation that includes this devastating amendment or similar language.

Florida's environment and coastline are national treasures worthy of our protection and vital to our state's economy. We strongly encourage you to join with us in protecting these assets and join us in rejecting the Peterson Amendment's reckless approach.

Sincerely,

Connie Mack
Jim Davis
Clay Shaw
Jeff Miller
Debbie Wasserman Shultz
Corrine Brown
Mark Foley
Mario Diaz-Balart
Robert Wexler
C.W. Bill Young
Adam Putnam
Katherine Harris
Lincoln Diaz-Balart
Allen Boyd
Ander Crenshaw
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Alcee Hastings
Ginny Brown-Waite
Tom Feeney
Kendrick Meek
Ric Keller
Dave Weldon

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