Mike Haridopolos Takes Aim at Obama Drilling Ban

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, weighed in on the announcement from the Obama administration that they were continuing to ban oil drilling in federal waters off the coast of Florida -- and took aim at Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. Haridopolos is considering running against Nelson in 2012.

This flip-flop by President Obama extending the closure of oil drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific will hurt Americas economy, said Haridopolos. Its another example of a job-killing policy led by the president and, unfortunately, embraced by Senator Bill Nelson.

Extending the ban will also do nothing to lessen Americas dependency on foreign oil, continued Haridopolos. While now is not the time to open up new drilling because of this summers Gulf oil spill, taking it off the table is irresponsible. We must ensure that innovative technology guarantees safe drilling and would not impact Floridas environment or tourism industry. When safe drilling is available, we have an obligation to provide for the long-term economic well-being of our country and state.