Thomas Foley: “Florida is making a very simple and specific request, leave us out of your dialogue and leave us out of your drawings.…”

“Florida is making a very simple and specific request, leave us out of your dialogue and leave us out of your drawings. We believe strongly in having a cohesive environmental policy. In fact, in the 1970s I worked in a Shell gas station, and I remember having people antagonized over the fact they could not fill their tanks; but since the 1970s we have done very little to have a comprehensive energy policy. But just suggesting that we start putting pipes in the ground is not a solution. A lot of people are paying attention and wanting to know when can we set the rigs. Florida is simply saying not in our backyard. We are delighted to say it and proud to say it. Democrats and Republicans in the delegation joined together trying to urge Congress to leave us out of this. Have it in Alabama. Have it in Louisiana. Go to Texas. Go to California, and even in Alaska if you want. Yes, it may be controversial, but the sovereign right of that State should be heard. Our sovereign right is expressing opposition, and I urge my colleagues to join us in this initiative.”