Castor to Obama: Don't drill off Florida

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, on Monday wrote to President Barack Obama to object to his administration's plans to open parts of the eastern of Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas exploration.

(T)here are some places in our country that are too precious to drill," wrote Castor in a letter released by her office. "Florida's coastline certainly meets that description."

Castor, who represents portions of Manatee County, went on to describe how drilling off of Florida would not meet the administration's own criteria for new oil and gas exploration.

"I continue to support your efforts to stay focused on a balanced plan that includes renewables, solar, wind and conservation while promoting domestic production where benefits outweigh the risks. The objective, scientific data demonstrates that the risks of drilling certain (Outer Continental Shelf) areas far outweigh the rather dubious benefits," Castor wrote.

You can read the whole letter here.