Tell the Florida Department of Environmental Protection: No Oil Drilling in the Apalachicola River Floodplain

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is on the brink of approving a “wildcat” oil drilling plan that will put the future of the ecologically sensitive Apalachicola River floodplain at risk, and we need your help to stop it.

The proposed drilling site risks the release of harmful chemicals into the Apalachicola river, nearby waterways, and surrounding wetlands. This floodplain is among the most biodiverse in the country, providing habitat for over 1,300 species of plants and hundreds of species of animals, including more than 30 classified as threatened or endangered.

This type of drilling activity risks toxic pollution running downstream and into Apalachicola Bay at a time when millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent on the restoration of oyster reefs.

Urge the DEP to reject exploratory oil drilling in one of Florida’s most treasured and sensitive natural areas, the Apalachicola River Floodplain. Feel free to customize the letter below (optional).

Dear Administrator Walker,

I urge you to reject the proposed drilling permit to Clearwater Land and Minerals for exploratory drilling in the Apalachicola River Floodplain.

Drilling at this site risks the release of harmful chemicals into the Apalachicola river, nearby waterways, and surrounding wetlands. This floodplain is among the most biodiverse in the country, providing habitat for over 1,300 species of plants and hundreds of species of animals, including more than 30 classified as threatened or endangered.

This drilling activity also risks toxic pollution running downstream and into Apalachicola Bay at a time when millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent on the restoration of oyster reefs. It is not in the public interest to approve this permit, jeopardizing this natural treasure and the economic lifeblood of the region.

Moreover, with Florida being ground zero for climate change, state leaders should be doing everything they can to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, not opening one of the state’s most biodiverse and sensitive areas to exploratory oil drilling.

Please reject this drilling proposal which threatens the panhandle’s environment, economy, and public health.

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