Florida Republicans Urge President Trump to Maintain Offshore Drilling Moratorium to Protect State's Economy
Florida's Republican congressional delegation is urging the Trump administration to abandon a plan that would introduce new oil drilling off the state's coast for the first time in decades. A letter, signed by Republican Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, along with all 28 House members from Florida, was sent to President Trump. The letter emphasizes the potential risks to Florida's tourism industry and military operations. The lawmakers praised Trump's previous decision in 2020 to extend a moratorium on oil and gas leasing off Florida's Gulf and east coasts through 2032. This moratorium was initially supported by bipartisan efforts, recognizing the economic and environmental value of Florida's coasts. The Interior Department's recent five-year offshore drilling plan, which includes new drilling off the California and Florida coasts, has sparked bipartisan opposition in Florida. 
