The Interior Department hearings have been rightfully postponed. This Interior announcement signals that the Administration’s proposal to permit oil exploration closer to Florida beaches is dead in the wake of the BP oil disaster. Read more »

"BP elevated profits over safety. From the testimony I heard today from Mr. Hayward, I am convinced BP was blinded by profits, much to the detriment of the victims of this disaster Read more »

"President Obama is rightfully concerned about jobs, small businesses and the harm caused to Florida’s improving economy by BP’s oil disaster. BP must bear full financial responsibility for the economic and environmental impact, not our small businesses or taxpayers. Read more »

Florida university researchers will receive $10 million from BP to fund the ongoing academic research into the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced today. Read more »

In testimony today before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Congresswoman Kathy Castor told members that Florida’s businesses are suffering as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster and urged Congress to eliminate the liability cap on oil companies. Read more »

As oil washed closer to Florida on Thursday, local businesses and environmentalists said the state must spread a critically important message: Tampa Bay beaches are still oil-free. Read more »

For all intents and purposes, bringing rigs closer to Florida’s beaches appears to be dead. The Deepwater Horizon disaster has confirmed my position that domestic drilling is too risky a proposition for our economy and our environment. Read more »

The current in the Gulf of Mexico has begun flowing in a clockwise circle, a temporary shift that spins a massive oil spill away from the Florida Keys and the East Coast, a group of academics said Wednesday. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor re-filed her bill today entitled the Florida Coastal Protection Act, which would prohibit oil drilling, leasing, preleasing and any related activities off the Gulf coast and the Straits of Florida. Castor filed the bill to ban oil drilling and leasing activities permanently. The current buffer 235 miles off of Tampa Bay is effective only through 2022. Read more »

The successful mission of the University of South Florida’s Weatherbird II, and the ongoing gusher, highlight the need for a commitment to long-term monitoring, data gathering and research, Congresswoman Kathy Castor said today. Read more »