Bipartisan Florida Delegation Pushes to Protect State's Shores From Seismic Testing

Statement

Congressman Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) led a bipartisan effort with fellow Florida Representatives David Jolly (FL-13), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Curt Clawson (FL-19), Ted Deutch (FL-21), Gwen Graham (FL-02), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Bill Posey (FL-08), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) to ban seismic testing off Florida's coasts. Seismic testing is the first step in offshore drilling and can have negative impacts on endangered whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life in addition to potentially displacing commercial and recreational fishing stocks.

"Seismic testing is the first step in the wrong direction. Further offshore oil exploration poses a serious risk to our environment and our economy," said Rep. Patrick E. Murphy. "I am proud that our delegation continues to stand strong against efforts to open the door to offshore drilling by calling for a ban on seismic testing off our shores."

"Prohibiting seismic testing in the Atlantic and Eastern Gulf ensures that these areas remain off limits to oil drilling. Seismic testing can be detrimental to our ocean ecosystems, and there is no reason to conduct such harmful testing when drilling is not currently permitted in these areas," Rep. David Jolly said.

"Drilling off Florida's beaches places our entire state's ecology and economy at risk," Rep. Gwen Graham said. "In North Florida we saw the devastating effects of an oil spill, firsthand -- and that was without oil ever reaching our shores. We need to stand together as a delegation, Republicans and Democrats, to fight drilling off Florida's beaches."

"I will be the very last person in Congress to support expanded offshore drilling. Given the severe impacts it has on marine life, seismic blasting is just not worth it," said Rep. Alcee L. Hastings. "I am pleased to join Rep. Murphy's amendment and thank him for his leadership on this issue."

"Our amendment will ensure that marine mammals and other sea life off the coast of Florida are protected from potential dangers of seismic testing activities," said Rep. Bill Posey.

"South Florida's precious environmental resources, from our coral reefs and fisheries to our world-renowned beaches, are critical to the region's economy and resilience. We cannot afford to sacrifice our coastal environment, our economy, or our livelihoods by inviting the imminent threat of an oil spill right off our shores," said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

Committed to protecting Florida's environment, Murphy joined with U.S. Representatives Bill Posey (FL-08), Gwen Graham (FL-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Lois Frankel (FL-22), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) early in the 114th Congress to introduce legislation prohibiting seismic testing along Florida's Atlantic coast. The legislation received the support of three of the nation's leading environmental groups -- the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Oceana, and the National Park Conservation Association.