TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Twenty-two of Florida's 25 U.S. House members sent a pair of letters to Interior Secretary Gale Norton on Monday opposing the agency's plan to open a large area in the Gulf of Mexico to offshore oil and natural gas drilling about 100 miles south of the Panhandle.
A Florida delegation letter signed by 21 representatives expressed strong opposition to the proposal because it would have "severe implications on Florida's economy and environment" by increasing the risk of pollution to the state's beaches. "Our economy is built upon the thousands of jobs that are created by visitors who vacation on our beautiful beaches," the Floridians wrote. "Environmental damage resulting from an oil spill or any other mishap associated with offshore drilling could be devastating to our economy."
Another Florida congressman, Jeff Miller, R-Chumuckla, sent a separate letter opposing the proposal, which would most affect his Panhandle district. Miller wrote that drilling also could harm military training and weapons testing in and over the gulf by Air Force and Navy bases in the Panhandle.
Miller said in the letter and an interview that the Minerals Management Service's plan would harm efforts by some Florida lawmakers, including himself, to reach a compromise for limited offshore drilling in exchange for long-term protection. "They are continuing to try to do an end around on the Florida delegation," Miller said. "I am not pleased."
EDIT
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11712637/Well, Mr. REPUBLICAN Congressman Miller, now you're about to learn how things work with your party in control.
You don't want offshore drilling?
You don't want threats to the tourism industry?
You don't like "end arounds" on the Florida delegation by the Executive Branch?
Well
SUCK IT UP, DUMBASS!!!