Florida tourism gets a boost with offshore drilling ban
The Florida tourism industry looks to have dodged a bullet.
The Sunshine State has become the first to secure an undertaking from the government that no offshore drilling permits will be issued for its coastline.
It seems its heavy reliance on tourism has made the difference.
Pressure from governor Rick Scott has apparently signalled a change of heart from the Trump Administration.
"President Trump has directed me to rebuild our offshore oil and gas program in a manner that supports our national energy policy and also takes into consideration the local and state voice," interior secretary Ryan Zinke said.
"I support the governor’s position that Florida is unique and its coasts are heavily reliant on tourism as an economic driver. As a result of discussion with Governor Scott’s and his leadership, I am removing Florida from consideration for any new oil and gas platforms."
This includes the oil rich eastern coastline of the Gulf of Mexico as well as Atlantic waters.
It also saves President Trump from looking out at unsightly platforms while enjoying the view at his beloved Mar-a-Lago estate.
Zinke said gov. Scott’s fears over oil spills harming Florida’s beaches was behind the reversal.
The Interior Department said last week more than 90% of the US coastline is up for grabs to oil and gas exploration which has stoked the ire of several Republican governors.
"By removing Florida from consideration, we can now focus on how we can further protect our environment, including our proposal for record funding for the Everglades, our springs, our beaches and our state parks," Scott said in a statement.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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