We were all thrilled with the news reports that the BP Deepwater Horizon well appears to be capped. Tar balls and sheen are washing up on Florida beaches, however, and the Gulf is still awash in oil. We need to focus on long-term clean up and a permanent ban on drilling in Florida's state waters.
Governor Charlie Crist has called a special session of the Legislature to craft a permanent ban on oil drilling in state waters and proposed amending Florida’s constitution to make our state jurisdictional waters between three and 10 miles off limits to oil production.
Conservation groups are organizing a Hands Across the Capitol event at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in Tallahassee. Hands Across the Capitol is an extension of Hands Across the Sand. Join us in Tallahassee and then meet with your legislators to urge them to give the people of Florida the power to protect our beaches, ecology and economy.
Some legislators argue Florida already has a ban in general law. Unfortunately, these rules can easily be overturned with legislation. In fact, for the last two years, a coalition of advocates for Florida’s coastal environment and economy have only narrowly staved off the attempts of the oil industry and certain legislators who would open Florida’s nearshore waters to oil drilling.
Now with the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, the time has come to permanently ban oil drilling in Florida’s jurisdictional waters. And you can help make our beaches safer.
Come to Tallahassee Tuesday and SEND your letter today calling on your Florida representative and senator to put a permanent drilling ban on the ballot. Let’s make sure a Gulf oil disaster never happens again in Florida by permanently banning oil drilling in our state waters. We can win this fight so our children don’t have to.
If you cannot make it to Tallahassee you can still contact your legislator and urge them to vote to ban oil drilling.
Check out these resources if you can attend Hands Across the Capitol.
Find your state legislators’ info so you can schedule an appointment.
Want to register? Looking for a ride share? RSVP here so we can get you information on lobby training schedules and details for the big day.
Coming up early? Places to stay in Tallahassee.
Downtown Tallahassee parking map.
Capitol complex layout.
