Diaz-Balart Votes to Protect Florida's Coasts by Opposing Energy Bill

July 28, 2005

Diaz-Balart Votes to Protect Florida's Coasts by Opposing Energy Bill

WASHINGTON-Despite many positive aspects to the energy conference report, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) today felt it necessary to vote against the bill because it included a provision to conduct an oil and natural gas inventory off the coasts of Florida.

"There was much in this legislation that I applaud," Diaz-Balart said, "especially the efforts to improve our nation's energy efficiency and encourage the development of new technologies.

"However," Diaz-Balart continued, "I simply could not vote for a bill that includes an inventory provision at this time. My commitment to preventing oil drilling off the coast of Florida is consistent and unwavering. Floridians are strongly against it, as are our congressional delegation, our governor, and our president."

The Bush Administration stopped efforts to drill for oil off the Florida Panhandle coast in 2002.

"I wish I could have voted for this bill, but I won't leave Florida's shores vulnerable," Diaz-Balart concluded.

http://www.house.gov/mariodiaz-balart/news/2005news/072805_energy.htm