It's about state rights. Here in Florida for example we should have the right to either allow, or deny oil drilling off of our shores. The constitution doesn't grant the federal government-or any body to either allow, or restrict oil drilling. Therefore it's up to the states individually.
We don't want drilling because it'll greatly hinder our economy. Our tourism would get hit really hard-let alone if something like the BP spill happened again, which would then hit our fishing, boating, ports, etc.. We have too much to risk just to slightly lower gas prices for the nation as a whole. Floridians shouldn't be subjected to unconstitutional risks to our economy just for people in the other 49 states (talk about big government).
The majority of Floridians are against off-shore drilling here. It's against our state law not to drill here. If you can point out an area of the US constitution that states the federal government has the right to overstep that law-by all means show it. If you can't (which you can't)-too bad, so sad-get over it.
The majority of Floridians aren't even Floridians. They live half the year in New York or New Jersey.
You go ahead and keep buying into the enviro-nazi propaganda. If there were oil rigs off the FL coast, you would not have a clue their presence. The entire story behind FL's off shore ban was based on the California spills of the 1970's. Oil production technology is far more advanced. The BP explosion was an accident.
If anything, FL taxpayers would benefit from off shore oil production in the form of royalties from said production.
Look, it's either we here in the US start realizing that with economic freedom comes a little risk or we remain under the thumb of people who don't like us very much.
BTW, to a certain distance off the shoreline ,yes the State has jurisdiction. Beyond that , I believe it is three miles, offshore waters come under federal jurisdiction. It is through cooperation between the federal government and states that offshore drilling is limted.
However, if push came to shove and the country needed the oil, we'd get it. and of course the respective state would receive ample compensation.
This is not about "slightly lower gas prices"..This is about doing the right thing and harvesting our own natural resources. You complain about risk. You mention fisheries and tourism twice. Sounds like you have an agenda. an agenda that is somewhat self centered.
Newsflash...we're all in this together. Last time I checked Florida was still part of the United States of America.
This is about economic independence and economic security. Do not ever forget that.
We don't get to that point without a little risk.
If we used your theory about avoiding risk, there would be no air travel and no cars.
The States Rights clause in the Constitution does not apply here.
