Our Gulf is at a critical juncture.
Recent federal actions to weaken protections under the Endangered Species Act are opening the door to expanded offshore drilling. Threats to Rice’s whales and every other endangered species in the Gulf are growing every day under the Trump Administration. It’s not only marine wildlife that is at risk, but also Florida’s coastal economy, water quality, and our way of life.
Floridians have fought offshore drilling before and won. Now, on the 16th anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, we are launching a new wave of action to meet this moment.
Conservation
The Rice’s whale is the Gulf of Mexico’s only year-round resident whale and one of the rarest whales on Earth, it is found nowhere else on the planet. With as few as 51 Rice’s whales remaining, vessel strikes and the current level of drilling put its survival in serious jeopardy. Expanded offshore drilling would further threaten Rice’s whales and every other endangered species in the Gulf. What we do in this moment will determine whether the story of the Rice’s whale continues as a symbol of Gulf resilience or ends as a preventable loss.
Economy and Quality of Life
Florida’s economy depends heavily on tourism, coastal real estate, and fishing – industries that would be put at serious risk if offshore drilling were allowed off our coast. Our quality of life depends on clean water and welcoming beaches. We know the damage a drilling disaster can cause: the Deepwater Horizon oil spill resulted in massive economic harm to our state, despite occurring off the coast of Louisiana. The financial benefits to Floridians from offshore drilling would be negligible, while the risks are substantial and long-lasting.
Energy
Imagine investing in yesterday and calling it the future. Offshore drilling requires expensive infrastructure that only pays off if the drilling never stops. Instead, we should be investing in clean, renewable energy that lowers costs, creates jobs, and protects our future as Floridians. Expanding offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico would lock us into decades of fossil fuel dependence. Why should we stand by while cleaner, more affordable energy investments fall by the wayside because we’re stuck in the past?
Legislation and Policy
Opposition to offshore drilling has been bipartisan because it’s our state’s beautiful beaches that attract newcomers and tourists. But Florida’s coast remains at risk of offshore drilling. Donald Trump’s self-described “BFF” (“Best Florida Friends”) must use the influence they claim to have with the President to “Save Our Shores” and protect Florida’s enviable way of life before it is damaged by drilling off our coast.
Stick It to Big Oil
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