Congressman Patronis Files Senate Companion Bill Curtailing Drilling in the Gulf of America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Patronis (R-FL) filed in the House of Representatives a companion bill introduced by Senators Scott and Moody, which would curtail oil drilling in the Gulf of America on the basis of protecting the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR).

Congressman Patronis said, “This bill is intended to protect the military test range for our military readiness. It should go without saying that while the Panhandle is facing a major hurricane, Hurricane Isaias, and the economy is tethered to tourism, this region needs to be protected from future oil and gas explorations.”

The EGTTR is a critical national security asset that supports vital military testing and training. This legislation strengthens protections for the range, ensuring uninterrupted access for military operations and helping keep our armed forces prepared for emerging threats.

The Protecting Florida’s Offshore Military Readiness Act would:

• Stop new oil and gas activity in the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range.
• Protect Eglin’s military testing and training from outside interference.
• Leave existing leases in place.
• Allow the moratorium to end if the Secretary of War determines the range is no longer critical.

To view the Protecting Florida’s Offshore Military Readiness Act click here.

To view information from Senator Scott click here.

To view information from Senator Moody click here.

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