Kathy Castor Cheers White House Plan to Ban New Oil Drilling in Eastern Gulf

Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor is cheering the news that the White House plans to pull the plug on new drilling in the eastern part of the Gulf of Mexico.

The White House obviously learned lessons from the BP oil disaster, said Castor. Drilling for oil off of Floridas coast poses a threat to Floridas economy, jobs and environment. Our small businesses and hotel owners are still suffering from the devastation left behind by the BP blowout.

Even before the BP disaster, I stressed to the administration that oil drilling off the west coast of Florida simply is not worth the risk, added Castor. Florida is different from other states in the Gulf Coast region because we have developed thriving tourism and fishing economies rather than industrialized our coastline. Floridas long-term economic health is dependent upon clean water and clean beaches. I am pleased the administration will not allow new drilling off our precious shores.