Boyd Works to Protect Our Coasts

BOYD WORKS TO PROTECT OUR COASTS

Joins Florida PIRG in opposing Administration's drilling plans

.—Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) today joined Florida Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) in opposing the U.S. Department of Interior's plans for drilling activities in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. Congressman Boyd is a co-sponsor of the Permanent Protection for Florida Act (HR 4783), legislation to permanently shield Florida's coasts from the hazards of offshore and gas drilling.

"This legislation would provide lasting protection for Florida's world famous beaches and combat the Administration's continued attempts to drill off our coasts," said Congressman Boyd. "Offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, such as what the Interior Department is proposing, poses a risk to our nation's military readiness by placing severe restrictions on the ability of the Air Force and the Navy to train in airspace and naval zones in the gulf."

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"Our beaches and coastlines are special and irreplaceable, and it is our responsibility to protect them," Boyd stated. "Drilling off our coasts would have very damaging consequences for our beaches, our marine life and its habitat, and our national security efforts. Most Floridians understand that drilling in spectacular natural places is a dangerous practice, and I stand by this belief."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl02_boyd/4_6_06_pr_offshore_drilling_pirg.html