Senator Ashley Moody is fighting to protect Florida’s coast from offshore oil drilling, introducing the American Shores Protection Act.
The Republican Senator announced the American Shores Protection Act to prohibit oil drilling and natural gas exploration and development near Florida’s coastline. This legislation would extend the drilling moratorium, which includes the shores of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, from 2022 to 2032. Senator Moody said the legislation would codify President Donald Trump’s September 2020 executive action that protects Sunshine State beaches.
“As a fifth-generation Floridian, preserving our state’s natural beauty is deeply important to me and the millions of those who call the Sunshine State home—as well as those who come to visit and vacation,” Republican Senator Ashley Moody said. “It is my mission to protect our state’s coastline for the next generation. Florida has made significant efforts to conserve its incredible natural resources, and I will continue this fight at the federal level. I appreciate my colleagues’ support as we work together to ensure oil drilling stays off our beaches and pass the American Shores Protection Act.”
The Florida Senator said this bill would codify the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Moratorium (EGOM) President Trump issued through 2032. The U.S. House in 2019 voted 248-180 on a resolution (HR 205) to make the drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico permanent. Later that year, nearly 70% of Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment that reinforced a ban on drilling in state waters off the coastlines.
However, the Department of Interior launched an expansive national offshore leasing program, including risks to Florida’s coasts because of Gulf of America proposed locations. Florida Republicans and Democrats have both voiced opposition to any offshore oil drilling.
Senators Rick Scott and Lindsey Graham have cosponsored the legislation.
See the full bill text online.
