87-R-54RESOLUTION NO. 87-R-54
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDGE -
WATER, FLORIDA, OBJECTING TO OIL DRILLING AND EXPLORA-
TION OFF THE COAST OF FLORIDA AND THE FLORIDA KEYS WITH-
OUT A THIRTY -MILE BUFFER ZONE; REQUESTING THE UNITED
STATES CONGRESS TO OPPOSE PLANS FOR ANY SUCH DRILLLING
AND EXPLORATION; AUTHORIZING DISTRIBUTION; CONTAINING A
REPEALER PROVISION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Interior has
recently aanounced a five-year leasing program to conduct lease
sales in offshore Gulf waters southwest ofthe coast of Florida,
and
WHEREAS, other proposals may address other portions of
the Florida coast and the Keys, and
WHEREAS, the City of Edgewater is opposed to any off-
shore oil exploration projects off Florida's coast unless a
thirty -mile buffer zone is established and any drilling must oc-
cur outside the thirty -mile buffer zone, and
WHEREAS, the City of Edgewater recognizes the importance
of nearshore and offshore regions as a public asset and as a re-
sult needing continued protection, and
WHEREAS, a thirty -mile buffer zone along Florida's Coast
is essential in preserving and protecting one of Florida's most
valuable natural resources and to reduce potential disastrous
impacts that could occur due to offshore oil exploration, andf
WHEREAS, any oil spill off the coast of Florida would
have severe and long-term impacts on theeconomy and quality of
life of its citizens, and
WHEREAS, Florida Governor Bob Martinez, the Southwest
Florida Regional Planning Council and many other local organiza-
tions and individuals have voiced opposition to the United States
Department of Interior's proposal, as presented, for a five-year
leasing plan for oil exploration off Florida's West Coast, citing
environmental concerns and the importance of preserving the inte-
grity of the coastline and immensely productive bays and estu-
aries.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. The United States Congress is hereby
requested to oppose any plans to allow offshore oil exploration
and drilling along Florida's Coast and the Florida Keys without a
thirty -mile buffer zone in order to preserve the area's natural
resources and economy for private and public recreation.
SECTION 2. The United States Congress is requested to
give this vital issue its highest priority attention.
SECTION 3. That copies of this resolution shall be for-
warded to Florida's Congressional Delegation, the Governor of the
State of Florida and the United States Department of Interior.
SECTION 4. That all resolutions or parts of resolutions
in conflict herewith be and the same are hereby repealed.
SECTION 5. That this resolution shall take effect imme-
diately upon its adoption by the City Council of the City of Edge-
water, Florida, at a regular meeting of said Council
held on the 21st day of December , 1987, and approved
as provided by law.
This Resolution was introduced and sponsored by Councilman
Prater , and was read and passed by the City Council of the
City of Edgewater, Florida, at a regular meeting of
said Council held on the 21st day of December , 1987, and
approved as provided by law.
ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
7
1987.
2 Res. No. 87-R-59
Res. No. 87-R-54