Setting the Record Straight on Gulf Energy Policy | Letter to the Editor
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Missing the mark
A recent article about offshore energy in the Gulf misses the mark for Florida families and our energy future.The Gulf already supplies nearly 15% of America’s crude oil, which fuels everything from flights to family road trips. The new draft leasing plan from the Department of the Interior includes areas 100 miles offshore (areas that are far from Florida beaches) with strong protections for viewsheds, tourism and national security, developed in coordination with the Department of Defense.We all care about clean air and water. But stopping safe, responsible energy development doesn’t make energy use disappear. Instead, it shifts production to countries with lower environmental standards and higher emissions. That hurts the environment and raises costs for everyone.Offshore energy production helps fund conservation efforts here at home. Through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is largely supported by offshore revenues, Florida receives millions to protect the Everglades and expand outdoor recreation.Floridians are already dealing with soaring food and energy costs. Blocking offshore energy will only make that worse. It’s time to support affordable, realistic energy policies that protect both our environment and our wallets.
