Offshore oil rig with mountains in the background.

Craig Pittman: Challenges ahead for Trump's move to restart offshore drilling near Florida

Donald Trump has signed an executive order reversing restrictions on offshore drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but legal barriers, military concerns and industry hesitation may stand in his way.

Craig Pittman writes for Florida Phoenix.

In short:

Trump’s order rescinds Biden-era protections and pushes for rapid approval of new drilling leases off Florida’s coast.
The U.S. Air Force, which uses a vast section of the Gulf of Mexico for weapons testing, has long opposed oil development in the area.
Trump himself extended a drilling moratorium in 2020, creating legal contradictions that could slow down his new push.

Key quote:

“Trump does not have the authority to take this action.”

— Hunter Miller, environmental group Oceana

Why this matters:

Offshore drilling poses serious risks to Florida’s environment and economy, as seen in the massive 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill. The military and courts may block Trump’s plan, but oil industry disinterest could be the biggest obstacle.

floridaphoenix.com

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