Florida Voters Pass Offshore Drilling Ban

Amendment 9 Secures Approximately 68 Percent of the Vote

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Amendment 9 passed in Florida’s midterm election today, adding a ban on offshore drilling in state waters to the state’s Constitution. The ballot initiative received approximately 68 percent of the vote, as Floridians across the state voiced their support for protecting our coasts.

The new constitutional ban will prohibit drilling for exploration or extraction for both oil and gas in Florida’s state waters, which extend three nautical miles from the shore on the Atlantic coast and nine nautical miles on the Gulf coast. The amendment also updates the existing ban on enclosed workplace smoking to include vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes.

“This a vital step for Florida, ensuring long-term protection of the state’s beaches and marine life — as well as the tourism that comes along with them that drives the state’s economy,” said Southern Alliance for Clean Energy’s Florida Director, Susan Glickman. “At a time when the federal government has announced its intent to open all U.S. coasts to drilling, passing Amendment 9 sends a message to policymakers that Floridians want to protect the state’s coast from the risks of oil and gas extraction.”

“Voters have made it loud and clear,” she said. “We do not want offshore drilling anywhere near our coasts. It’s just not worth the risk to our environment, our economy and our way of life here in Florida.”

Although there is currently a state statute prohibiting drilling in Florida’s state waters, in 2009, the Florida House of Representatives voted to lift the ban. However, the State Senate did not concur. Amendment 9 provides a more permanent safeguard to protect Florida’s coasts from opportunists who would put the environment and economy at risk for the narrow interests of the oil and gas industry.

As an alternative to offshore drilling, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy strongly supports the electrification of the transportation sector and more electric vehicles that reduce air pollution and the demand for oil.

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Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1985, that promotes responsible energy choices to ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org.