Jeopardizing Florida's natural resources by oil drilling is not the answer to the energy crisis. Murky and polluted water, oil spills and tar balls are a standard byproduct of the oil drilling industry. Due to the inability of oil rigs to withstand hurricane force winds, oil spills will be inevitable. Florida's marine life and tourist based economy will be endangered by the failure of Florida to seek alternative energy independence.
We the undersigned believe that offshore drilling in Florida will be detrimental to our economy and ecosystem. We refuse to let the fear of rising oil prices allow our greatest natural resources to be destroyed. We fear murky and polluted waters, oil spills and tar balls that are a standard byproduct of the oil drilling industry.
Oil rigs are unable to withstand hurricane force winds and can create catastrophic oil spills. These oil spills will wreak havoc on the marine life and shorelines along the Gulf and Atlantic coast, causing damage that simply cannot be replaced with oil profits. Not only will irreparable environmental harm be caused by oil spills, but more tangible economic harm. Even with our proven potential oil reserves of 2.6%, the United States cannot eliminate our oil dependency through the drilling of Florida's coastline. Florida's tourism industry will surely be affected as our tropical shorelines are among our most valued assets, not only nationally but globally
We respectfully request that our Florida Legislature provide moral leadership that will guide our state to clean energy independence.
