Over 42,000 businesses and 500,000 fishing families have formed a strategic alliance rejecting offshore drilling and exploration, citing threats to marine life, coastal communities and local economies. In addition, the Department of Defense, U.S. Airforce, Florida Defense Support Task Force and NASA have also raised concerns that expanded offshore oil and gas development would threaten their ability to perform critical training and testing activities.
In a recent press release, Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy agreed. “Blasting and drilling pose a risk of contaminating the ocean, and that is a risk we are not willing to take. The oceans are too precious a resource for us, environmentally, economically and existentially,” he said.
“We commend the city of Hollywood for rejecting dangerous offshore drilling and seismic airgun blasting,” said Uden, speaking for Oceana. “Giving the oil industry unfettered access to our nation’s oceans is a recipe for disaster.”
“In Florida alone, healthy oceans provide over 608,000 jobs and over $37 billion in annual GDP, mainly through fishing, tourism and recreation,” added Uden. “Oil spills do not respect state boundaries and Floridians will continue to stand up against expanded offshore drilling until the plug is pulled on this radical plan.”
For more information on offshore drilling, click here.