Gulf drilling measure would put rigs 45 miles from coast

WASHINGTON — The Senate energy committee has approved a measure to allow oil and gas drilling just 45 miles off Florida's west coast, and even closer in the "Destin Dome" area of the Gulf of Mexico, off the Panhandle.

The amendment to a broader energy bill passed 13 to 10 on Tuesday and was supported by the committee's chairman, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M. It stands a good chance of being included in the final version of the bill, which is expected to clear the committee as soon as Thursday.

After that, however, the measure will face strong opposition. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., already has threatened to filibuster the bill, and it is not clear if Senate leaders would risk a sweeping energy bill by including the offshore drilling provision. It also would find tough going in the U.S. House.

Nelson said allowing drilling in the eastern gulf would endanger the coastal environment and jeopardize an important training area for the Air Force and Navy, which conduct live-fire exercises and maneuvers there.

"Give that up to the oil boys and you sacrifice national security," Nelson said. "Congress ought to be looking at ... a real alternative energy program instead of trying to put oil rigs off the world-class tourist spots all along Florida's coast."

Thanks to a 2006 compromise sponsored by Nelson and Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., drilling is banned within 230 miles of Tampa Bay and 100 miles of the Panhandle through 2022. The amendment approved Tuesday would upend that compromise.

Wes Allison can be reached at allison@sptimes.com or (202) 463-0577.