Murphy, Posey, Graham Lead Effort to Prohibit Drilling Exploration Off Florida's Coasts

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representatives Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) and Bill Posey (FL-08), along with fellow Florida Representatives Gwen Graham (FL-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Lois Frankel (FL-22), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), filed legislation to prohibit seismic testing along Florida's Atlantic coast. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. Seismic testing is the first step in an effort to begin offshore drilling along the east coast of the United States, including Florida.

"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. "Seismic testing is the first step in the wrong direction. Floridians agree that drilling off our beaches is a bad idea. I will continue to work with members of our Congressional delegation, as well as state officials, to 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.

"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."

"I have long been opposed to offshore drilling off the coast of Florida. Seismic testing would not only pave the way to offshore drilling and its harmful effects, but would also be a serious detriment to the marine life and people of the coastal communities affected. I'm proud to co-sponsor the Seismic Moratorium Act, and to stand with my colleagues from Florida in opposing seismic testing," said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings.

In July 2014, the Obama Administration opened the Atlantic Ocean, from Virginia to Florida, for seismic testing to search for possible future drilling sites.

In 2013 and 2014, Rep. Murphy, along with members of Florida's Congressional Delegation, sent a letter to President Barack Obama opposing the administration's plan to conduct seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean. Further, 18 coastal communities in Florida have passed resolutions opposing seismic testing along the Atlantic Coast.