Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-6) led Florida Republicans to re-introduce the American Shores Protection Act to codify the moratorium on oil and gas drilling off the coasts of Florida that was put in place by a September 8, 2020 Executive Order by then-President Trump. Under the legislation, the moratorium would apply to the South Atlantic, Eastern Gulf, and Straits of Florida planning areas. 

U.S. Representatives John Rutherford (FL-5), Neal Dunn (FL-2), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Carolos Gimenez (FL-28), Brian Mast (FL-18), Matt Gaetz (FL-1), Bill Posey (FL-8), Mario Diaz-Balart (26), and Nancy Mace (SC-1) joined Rep. Waltz to introduce this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

"I am committed to promoting conservation efforts to keep Florida’s shores clean and our economy thriving,” said Waltz. “Our state cannot afford offshore drilling operations that could invite devastation to our coastal environment, marine life, and tourism industry, as well as negatively impact military training that takes place off of Florida’s coast.”

“Florida’s future depends on clean and healthy coastlines and waters,” said Rutherford. “Opening up our waters to drilling would put our fisheries, coastal communities, military training, and tourism-based economies in peril. I am proud to join my colleagues in working to codify President Trump’s moratorium to prevent future drilling and seismic testing off Florida’s coasts.”

“South Florida’s breathtaking coastline is a national treasure that I will always fight to protect,” said Gimenez. “I’m proud to represent Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which spans 3,800-square-miles and protects our critically endangered coral reefs. I look forward to continuing working with the Florida delegation to codify the moratorium on oil and gas drilling off the coasts of Florida into federal law.”

“We must ensure future generations of Floridians enjoy clear waters, clean beaches, a healthy ecosystem, and a growing economy—this bill ensures just that for all our states residents and their families,” said Salazar.