Florida lawmakers ask Trump to reject drilling on the western coast of Florida

Florida's entire U.S. Congress delegation urged President Donald Trump on Thursday to exclude their state from a plan of his administration to expand drilling for oil and gas to new coastal areas. They said it would threaten Florida's tourism and military industries.

Why it's important

The letter from Florida Senators Rick Scott, Ashley Moody, and the 28 House members of Florida was a rare example of bipartisan opposition to the Republican President's policies. The majority of Florida's congressional members are Republicans.

KEY QUOTE

In their letter, the lawmakers stated that "the risks of new offshore drilling outweighs any short-term benefits."

By the Numbers

The letter stated that more than 50,000 jobs are linked to military facilities in the Florida Panhandle. This is a vast area of land over the Gulf of Mexico, where advanced weapons and tactics for air combat are tested.

Florida beaches support 2.1 millions jobs and generate $127.7 Billion in tourism expenditures each year.

CONTEXT

Interior Department released a proposal last month that would allow future leasing of land in the eastern part of the Gulf of Mexico. This area has been long protected from energy development due to its use for military training and testing. Florida officials have been opposed to any changes, including Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

Mar-a-Lago is Trump's Florida home. It is located on the eastern part of the state.

THE REPLY

The White House didn't immediately respond to our request for a comment. (Reporting and editing by Nichola Adler; Nichola Groom)

(source: Reuters)