White House: No New Oil Drilling in Eastern Gulf for Next 7 Years

With numerous sources reporting that the White House has decided to freeze new oil drilling in the eastern part of the Gulf of Mexico for the next seven years, Floridas politicians are starting to weigh in.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson praised the White House for the decision.

Its good the president is listening to the people of Florida, said Nelson on Wednesday morning.

Drilling off Floridas Gulf Coast is banned at least until 2022, under a 2006 law passed by Senator Nelson, said Dan McLaughlin, a spokesman for Nelson. The senator is pleased the White House has decided rightly to keep the area off-limits.

He hopes Floridas next governor and the Legislature similarly will commit to protecting the states tourism economy and unique environment, added McLaughlin, who noted that Nelson will be meeting with incoming Gov. Rick Scott later on Wednesday.

U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is expected to tell more about the administrations policy at a media event in Washington later on Wednesday.