Congresswoman Kathy Castor has proposed four amendments to the oil disaster response package, which is expected to be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives this week. Castor’s amendments focus on ensuring oil drilling remains far from Florida’s coasts; helping our region’s fishermen and small businesses; guaranteeing expert input as the Gulf Coast recovers from the disaster; and protecting the environment in parts of the country where drilling is currently allowed.

“The BP oil disaster has taken a serious toll on Florida small business owners, tourism, our fishermen and our environment,” Castor said. “BP must be held accountable so we do not leave taxpayers on the hook for the damage caused by the BP disaster. The Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources Act will help us restore the Gulf Coast while holding the oil industry accountable.”

Castor has introduced four amendments to the legislation. The amendments would:

* Prohibit oil and natural gas preleasing, leasing and any related activities off the Gulf Coast, the Straits of Florida and the East Coast. In May, Castor introduced the Florida Coastal Protection Act, which would make permanent the current 235-mile oil drilling buffer from Tampa Bay. The buffer is effective only through 2022.  The Act would make the protection permanent.

Castor’s Florida Coastal Protection Act enjoys bipartisan support. She is working to get the bill attached as an amendment to the Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources Act.

“The BP oil disaster has been a disaster for our economy and our environment, and we cannot allow drilling even one mile closer to Florida’s pristine beaches,” Castor said.

* Develop a plan to promote and market seafood produced by Gulf Coast states. As a result of the BP oil disaster, many seafood lovers are concerned that their favorite fish are unsafe to eat, causing economic stress for fishermen and seafood restaurants. A marketing plan could reassure diners that the seafood is safe to eat. The idea for this amendment came from Bama Seafood, which participated in the roundtable discussions Castor has had with Tampa Bay area small business owners, fishermen and tourism leaders.

“We need to spread the word that our Gulf Coast seafood is delicious and safe,” Castor said.

* Establish a citizens’ panel to advise the executive branch on oil drilling, including providing oversight of drilling operations, policies and permits. Florida needs and deserves representation and input on oil drilling issues because this disaster has shown that even states without drilling along their coasts are still deeply impacted by drilling operations. Under Castor’s proposal, each state in the Gulf Coast region would have seven voting members on the council, representing the seafood industry; charter fishing industry; a local restaurant, hotel, small business or tourism industry; and a marine and coastal conservation community, among others.

“We need input from the folks who truly understand the issues facing our coastal communities,” Castor said.

* Prohibit waivers or categorical exclusions of environmental impact statements in the exploration plan. Castor’s amendment would ensure that oil companies file environmental impact statements and assessments.

“The Interior Department and Minerals Management Service, unfortunately, have historically allowed oil companies to not file environmental assessments and impact statements, another indication of the too-cozy, revolving door relationship between the regulators and the oil companies,” Castor said.