Take action to oppose fast-tracking of new offshore drilling

**Beach Runner** · 05-17-2011, 04:54 PM

If you are so inclined, please go to this link from Surfrider http://action.surfrider.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4027. You can type in your zip code and get a prewritten letter and contact info for your U.S. Senators. Voting might occur as early as Tuesday, so time is of the essence.

**scooterbug44** · 05-17-2011, 05:25 PM

I emailed Rubio and Nelson about it earlier today.

Love the Surfrider and Audobon action alerts - biatching at my elected officials has gone up 300%.

Though Nelson and President Obama are the only ones who ever respond.

**scooterbug44** · 05-18-2011, 05:02 PM

Here's the response from Nelson's office:
Dear Scooterbug,

Thank you for contacting me regarding oil drilling.

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is a tragic reminder of what can go wrong with offshore oil exploration. I visited counties impacted by the spill a number of times and continue to press BP, the Federal government, and the State of Florida to take all necessary steps to minimize the impact that this spill has on our shores, our natural resources, and the many industries that rely on our coasts and waters.

You may know that I have opposed drilling off Florida for a long time now. Over the last four decades, I’ve fought to keep oil rigs away from Florida and other coastal States. I’ve argued that a big spill could not only harm Florida’s tourism-driven economy and unique environment, but also usurp the country’s last major military training and testing range in the eastern Gulf. Even if offshore drilling becomes safer, there just isn’t enough oil in the eastern Gulf to justify the enormous risks from a blowout, spill, or shipping accident.

Please know that if this issue comes before the full Senate, I will keep your views in mind. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office again.

Sincerely,
Senator Bill Nelson

**Beach Runner** · 05-19-2011, 09:22 PM

The only member of Congress from GA I have heard from is Rep. John Lewis. Neither Senator has answered.

**mputnal3** · 05-20-2011, 03:55 AM

Senator Nelson is amazingly accurate with his views on oil drilling in the Gulf and he needs our full support. He and we are in a minority on this subject but that should only inspire each of us to be "involved". We must put our environment above our political partisanship. Oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico solves no problems with energy independency. Using less oil does and I am not sure our fellow Americans fully understand or accept this yet. The tragedy in the Gulf last year will soon be forgotten. If we love our coastal resources then we must protect them. Every vote counts. Every communication counts. Many thanks to Beach Runner for this link. Governor Scott and President Obama need to be convinced that oil drilling in the Gulf is bad for America and not just the Gulf Coast. Gas prices are affected by many things and can only be solved by less demand. Each of us have to find ways to reduce our dependence. We need a slogan like "Carpool, save a beach" or something. Maybe the TDC can still spend some of that 1.3 to help us with a real issue.