Bill Nelson to White House: No Offshore Drilling

Bill Nelson was one of the Senators that went to the White House to talk about energy policy with President Barack Obama. Nelson sent out a press release stating he will not support drilling off the coast of Florida. Nelson's office published this press release on the Senator's web site.

Nelson has been outspoken against the president’s recently announced plans for expanded drilling in the eastern Gulf, where it is currently banned under a 2006 federal law. Nelson, joined by former Republican Sen. Mel Martinez, helped write that law to keeps rigs 125 miles from Florida's Gulf coast and as far away as 235 miles at some points.

“No drilling off Florida, period,” is what Nelson told the White House and fellow lawmakers today.

This is big news. Obama at best will get one Republican to support the energy bill. That is being generous. Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell will attempt to filibuster the bill. Nelson could be the deciding vote.

The BP spill and Nelson's position makes it difficuilt for the White House to add offshore drilling into the energy bill. The White House should just drop offshore drilling from the legislation. Lindsey Graham has already said he won't support the bill because there isn't enough offshore drilling. Graham was the Republican the White House was counting on for support. Harry Reid's strategy of tying the energy bill with offshore drilling reforms.