Florida must reclaim its offshore role

OPINION:

Operation Epic Fury has reminded the world that American strength isn’t theoretical — it’s operational. Likewise, “drill, baby, drill” is not just a slogan; it’s an energy-dominance strategy.

In Florida, we see that when America produces its own energy, we can project force abroad and unlock economic opportunity at home.

Never has it been more clear that domestic energy production and economic prosperity are fraternal American twins that should never be separated. When we produce abundant oil and gas, Americans benefit from low energy prices, adversaries lose leverage and allies gain security.

When we retreat from production, hostile regimes can weaponize energy against the interests of Americans and our allies.

Floridians have a direct stake in offshore energy as it relates to the leasing plan proposed by the Department of the Interior. Our economy, military and national security rely on affordable, reliable, American-controlled energy — but too often, Florida sits on the sidelines of Gulf Coast production decisions.

That assumption deserves immediate reexamination.

President Biden’s hostile policies against domestic oil and gas placed the U.S. and our allies at risk. Leasing delays, moratoriums and prohibitive regulation targeted the one industry that could reduce foreign dependence.

Perhaps most alarmingly, the Biden administration approved only three offshore lease sales in five years — the fewest in modern history. Global demand didn’t disappear, but it shifted abroad as these politically driven restrictions weakened supply and discouraged domestic investment.

Given the political sensitivity of this issue, political pressures in 2018 forced Florida’s offshore lease debate off the table. Current opponents incorrectly invoke the first Trump administration’s decision that year to withdraw Florida from an offshore leasing plan, even though the circumstances surrounding that decision no longer apply.

As adversaries increasingly weaponize energy, it is reasonable and necessary to reassess the 2018 Florida decision — especially as President Trump’s actions in Venezuela and Iran highlight those countries’ role in oil supply to hostile global hegemons such as China and Russia.

We’re in a new era now. Over the past year, Mr. Trump aggressively reversed Biden-era policies that weakened U.S. security and emboldened foes. Florida should partner in that effort rather than resist it.

Florida Republicans have been too quick to oppose any discussion of offshore oil and gas development near our state, often calling for moratoriums, sounding more like Mr. Biden’s destructive energy policy than Mr. Trump’s positive one. That is not leadership, and it risks placing Florida on the wrong side of national security and energy imperatives.

A sober look at the facts reveals critical truths:

Military readiness: Florida hosts critical military training and testing assets, and offshore energy development has coexisted with military operations in the Gulf of America for decades. Coordination between the departments of Defense and Interior ensures missions are protected, leases reviewed, restrictions applied and the military can halt energy activity if national defense requires it.

Tourism: Florida policymakers will always seek to protect Florida’s beloved world-class beaches. Modern subsea technology allows offshore production far beyond the horizon — often 100-plus miles from shore — minimizing surface impact and avoiding near-shore training areas, as emphasized by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

The environment: Deepwater Horizon left a lasting mark — and rightly so. Since then, the industry has substantially invested in advanced technology, safety and oversight to cut risks. Abandoning domestic production only shifts demand to foreign producers with weaker accountability and lax environmental standards.

Offshore leasing is a critical funding source for conservation and restoration projects across the country, especially Gulf states. Conservatives should reject the false choice between environmental stewardship and domestic production.

Responsible development easily coexists with thriving coastal economies.

The economy: Offshore energy development supports high-paying direct and indirect jobs, strengthens supply chains and generates substantial public revenue. Energy abundance lowers costs for families and businesses, including in Florida. Republican leadership has always meant balancing strength, stewardship and geopolitical realism. Offshore energy development in the Gulf, done responsibly, fits that tradition.

Florida Republicans should apply the same data-driven, security-focused approach here in the free state of Florida as they do in every other area of policymaking. Decisions should be based on facts, not political nerves.

• Kerri Toloczko is the founder and chair of the Southwest Florida Center Right Coalition and a senior fellow with Institute for Liberty.