HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 565-2025 RESOLUTION NO. 565 -2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
REITERATING ITS LONG-STANDING OPPOSITION TO
THE INCLUSION OF NEW OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS
LEASING OFF THE COAST OF FLORIDA IN THE FIVE-
YEAR NATIONAL OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF OIL
AND GAS LEASING PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners (hereinafter "the Board") has
repeatedly expressed its long-standing opposition to new offshore oil and gas exploration off the
Coast of Florida, as most recently evidenced by Resolution 111-2017 as well as the Board's
adopted legislative agendas in 2018 through the present; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management(hereinafter"BOEM") is
developing the 1 lth National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which
would open over 31,000 square miles of new areas for offshore oil drilling moving this activity
to within 100 miles of the Florida shoreline including the Dry Tortugas, a pristine, ecologically
delicate,protected, historical and revered western most portion of Monroe County, and
positioning permissible oil drilling operations within prevailing currents that portends that any
spills would result in direct harms to the Florida Keys economy and ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, the BOEM, under the Department of Interior of the United States, in has
requested public input on whether to include new offshore leasing areas by no later than
January 23, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Register notice of the public comment period that was
published on November 24, 2025, directs interested parties to submit comments either by:
a) Online submission through the "regulations.gov"web portal regarding "Docket ID:
BOEM-2025-0482"; or
b) Mailed in an envelope labeled Comments to the I Ph National OCS Oil and Gas
Leasing Program and mailed or hand delivered to Ms. Kelly Hammerle, Bureau of
Ocean Energy Management(VAM-LD), 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA
20166-9216.
WHEREAS, the economy of Monroe County, better known as the Florida Keys, depends
heavily on a healthy coastal and marine environment, supporting industries such as tourism,
recreation, commercial and recreational fishing, and related small businesses; and
WHEREAS, our local economy is further enhanced through the military training
activities that take place at Naval Air Station Key West(NASKW), which support flight training
and test, surface vessel training and test, and subsurface test and training operations in the
Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR), which is used by all branches of the military;
and
WHEREAS, the training and test operations based out of NASKW, Naval Surface
Warfare Center Panama City as well as Eglin, Tyndall, and MacDill Air Force Bases, rely on
unfettered access to the air and sea space over the Eastern Gulf ofAmerica; and
WHEREAS,the proposed oil exploration threatens the long-standing,unfettered
encroachment free access by the U.S. military services to air and sea space of the Gulf, and
WHEREAS, clean water, thriving ecosystems, and an attractive coastal environment are
vital to maintaining property values, sustaining local businesses, and ensuring the quality of life
for residents and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, offshore oil and gas exploration, development, and drilling carry inherent
risks, including oil spills, leaks, habitat destruction, and pollution, which could cause significant,
long-term harm to our coastal economy, natural resources, and way of life; and
WHEREAS, the history of risk associated with the oil and gas industry and the inability
to control harmful oil spills, as demonstrated in the 2010 Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill located
nearly 300 miles from the Florida Keys and Monroe County, resulted historic damage to
Florida's coastal shoreline as well as its economy; and
WHEREAS, even the perception of environmental risk associated with offshore drilling
can negatively impact tourism, investment, and business development in coastal areas; and
WHEREAS, the protection of our citizens, community, ecosystems, coastal
environment, military readiness and economy is a priority for the Board, and the Board finds that
the long-term well-being of our community outweighs the short-term benefits that expanded
offshore drilling might offer to the oil and gas industry;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe
County, Florida that:
The Board formally opposes the inclusion of any new offshore oil and gas leasing off
the Florida coast in the 1 lth National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing
Program.
2. The Board urges the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management(BOEM)to prioritize the
protection of coastal economies, communities, and ecosystems by excluding new
offshore oil and gas leases from the final leasing program.
3. The Board urges our federal representatives in Congress to oppose efforts to expand
offshore drilling and to support policies that protect our oceans, coasts, and the
industries and communities that depend on them.
4. The Board expresses support for S. 3082, the American Shores Protection Act of
2025 that Senator Ashley Moody has sponsored and which has been co-sponsored by
Senators Rick Scott and Lindsey Graham. That bill would permanently bar oil and
gas drilling off the coasts of Florida including the Eastern Gulf.
4. The Clerk is directed to submit a certified copy of this resolution as the Board's
public comment to Ms. Kelly Hammerle, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
(VAM-LD), 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166-9216.
5. Staff is authorized to develop and submit more comprehensive comments on behalf of
the Board.
6. The Clerk is directed to send a copy of this resolution to:
a. President Donald J. Trump, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC
20500;
b. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, 1000 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-
1000;
c. Governor Ron DeSantis, 400 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001;
d. Senator Rick Scott, 110 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
e. Senator Ashley Moody, 387 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
f. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, 448 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20515
g. State Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, 410 Senate Bldg., Tallahassee, FL 32399
h. State Representative Jim Mooney, 334 The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
i. The Clerks of the cities of Key Colony Beach, Key West, Layton, and Marathon
as well as the Islamorada Village Clerk with a request that each Clerk distribute
this resolution to members of their governing bodies, their City Managers, and
City Attorneys.
7. Members of the Community are encouraged to submit public comment opposing the
proposal to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management by January 23, 2026, through the
web portal or by mail.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida,
at its regular business meeting held on the 10h day of December 2025, in Key Largo, Florida.
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OV COURJB V
00Kevin Madok, CPA
' �►�� Clerk of the Circuit CourtComptroller& — Monroe County, Florida da
OryROE cooNSy
December 30, 2025
Ms. Kelly Hammerle
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management(VAM-LD)
45600 Woodland Road
Sterling, VA 20166-9216
Ms. Hammerle,
Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 565-2025 of the Monroe County Board of
County Commissioners reiterating its long-standing opposition to the inclusion of new offshore
oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida in the Five-Year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil
and Gas Leasing Program.
This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at
a regular meeting, held in formal session, on December 10, 2025. Should you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me at(305) 292-3550.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the
Circuit Court and ex-officio to the
Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners
By: Liz Yongue, Deputy Clerk
cc: File
KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY
500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88770 Overseas Highway
Key West, Florida 33040 Marathon, Florida 33050 Plantation Key, Florida 33070
R_�
OV COURJB V
00Kevin Madok, CPA
' �►�� Clerk of the Circuit CourtComptroller& — Monroe County, Florida da
OryROE cooNSy
December 30, 2025
President Donald J. Trump
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 565-2025 of the Monroe County Board of
County Commissioners reiterating its long-standing opposition to the inclusion of new offshore
oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida in the Five-Year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil
and Gas Leasing Program.
This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at
a regular meeting, held in formal session, on December 10, 2025. Should you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me at(305) 292-3550.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the
Circuit Court and ex-officio to the
Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners
By: Liz Yongue, Deputy Clerk
cc: File
KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY
500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88770 Overseas Highway
Key West, Florida 33040 Marathon, Florida 33050 Plantation Key, Florida 33070
R_�
OV COURJB V
00Kevin Madok, CPA
' �►�� Clerk of the Circuit CourtComptroller& — Monroe County, Florida da
OryROE cooNSy
December 30, 2025
The Honorable Pete Hegseth
Secretary of War
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000
Dear Mr. Secretary,
Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 565-2025 of the Monroe County Board of
County Commissioners reiterating its long-standing opposition to the inclusion of new offshore
oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida in the Five-Year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil
and Gas Leasing Program.
This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at
a regular meeting, held in formal session, on December 10, 2025. Should you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me at(305) 292-3550.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the
Circuit Court and ex-officio to the
Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners
By: Liz Yongue, Deputy Clerk
cc: File
KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY
500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88770 Overseas Highway
Key West, Florida 33040 Marathon, Florida 33050 Plantation Key, Florida 33070
R_�
OV COURJB V
00Kevin Madok, CPA
' �►�� Clerk of the Circuit CourtComptroller& — Monroe County, Florida da
OryROE cooNSy
December 30, 2025
Governor Ron DeSantis
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001
Honorable Governor DeSantis,
Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 565-2025 of the Monroe County Board of
County Commissioners reiterating its long-standing opposition to the inclusion of new offshore
oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida in the Five-Year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil
and Gas Leasing Program.
This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at
a regular meeting, held in formal session, on December 10, 2025. Should you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me at(305) 292-3550.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the
Circuit Court and ex-officio to the
Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners
By: Liz Yongue, Deputy Clerk
cc: File
KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY
500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88770 Overseas Highway
Key West, Florida 33040 Marathon, Florida 33050 Plantation Key, Florida 33070
R_�
OV COURJB V
00Kevin Madok, CPA
' �►�� Clerk of the Circuit CourtComptroller& — Monroe County, Florida da
OryROE cooNSy
December 30, 2025
Senator Rick Scott
United States Senate
110 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
Honorable Senator Scott,
Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 565-2025 of the Monroe County Board of
County Commissioners reiterating its long-standing opposition to the inclusion of new offshore
oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida in the Five-Year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil
and Gas Leasing Program.
This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at
a regular meeting, held in formal session, on December 10, 2025. Should you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me at(305) 292-3550.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the
Circuit Court and ex-officio to the
Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners
By: Liz Yongue, Deputy Clerk
cc: File
KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY
500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88770 Overseas Highway
Key West, Florida 33040 Marathon, Florida 33050 Plantation Key, Florida 33070
R_�
OV COURJB V
00Kevin Madok, CPA
' �►�� Clerk of the Circuit CourtComptroller& — Monroe County, Florida da
OryROE cooNSy
December 30, 2025
Senator Ashley Moody
United States Senate
387 Russell Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
Honorable Senator Moody,
Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 565-2025 of the Monroe County Board of
County Commissioners reiterating its long-standing opposition to the inclusion of new offshore
oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida in the Five-Year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil
and Gas Leasing Program.
This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at
a regular meeting, held in formal session, on December 10, 2025. Should you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me at(305) 292-3550.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the
Circuit Court and ex-officio to the
Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners
By: Liz Yongue, Deputy Clerk
cc: File
KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY
500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88770 Overseas Highway
Key West, Florida 33040 Marathon, Florida 33050 Plantation Key, Florida 33070
R_�
OV COURJB V
00Kevin Madok, CPA
' �►�� Clerk of the Circuit CourtComptroller& — Monroe County, Florida da
OryROE cooNSy
December 30, 2025
Congressman Carlos Gimenez
448 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Honorable Representative Gimenez,
Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 565-2025 of the Monroe County Board of
County Commissioners reiterating its long-standing opposition to the inclusion of new offshore
oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida in the Five-Year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil
and Gas Leasing Program.
This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at
a regular meeting, held in formal session, on December 10, 2025. Should you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me at(305) 292-3550.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the
Circuit Court and ex-officio to the
Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners
By: Liz Yongue, Deputy Clerk
cc: File
KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY
500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88770 Overseas Highway
Key West, Florida 33040 Marathon, Florida 33050 Plantation Key, Florida 33070
R_�
OV COURJB V
00Kevin Madok, CPA
' �►�� Clerk of the Circuit CourtComptroller& — Monroe County, Florida da
OryROE cooNSy
December 30, 2025
Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez
410 Senate Building
404 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100
Honorable Senator Rodriguez,
Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 565-2025 of the Monroe County Board of
County Commissioners reiterating its long-standing opposition to the inclusion of new offshore
oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida in the Five-Year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil
and Gas Leasing Program.
This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at
a regular meeting, held in formal session, on December 10, 2025. Should you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me at(305) 292-3550.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the
Circuit Court and ex-officio to the
Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners
By: Liz Yongue, Deputy Clerk
cc: File
KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY
500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88770 Overseas Highway
Key West, Florida 33040 Marathon, Florida 33050 Plantation Key, Florida 33070
R_�
OV COURJB V
00Kevin Madok, CPA
' �►�� Clerk of the Circuit CourtComptroller& — Monroe County, Florida da
OryROE cooNSy
December 30, 2025
Representative Jim Mooney
334 The Capitol
402 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100
Honorable Representative Mooney,
Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 565-2025 of the Monroe County Board of
County Commissioners reiterating its long-standing opposition to the inclusion of new offshore
oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida in the Five-Year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil
and Gas Leasing Program.
This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at
a regular meeting, held in formal session, on December 10, 2025. Should you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me at(305) 292-3550.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the
Circuit Court and ex-officio to the
Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners
By: Liz Yongue, Deputy Clerk
cc: File
KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY
500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88770 Overseas Highway
Key West, Florida 33040 Marathon, Florida 33050 Plantation Key, Florida 33070
Liz Yongue
From: Liz Yongue
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 1:03 PM
To: Clerk@cityofkeywest-fl.gov; cityclerk@ci.marathon.fl.us; Clerk@islamorada.fl.us;
cityhall@cityoflayton.com; 'Silvia Roussin'
Cc: Hurley-Christine; Lindsey Ballard; Shillinger-Bob
Subject: Resolution 565-2025; Florida Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing
Attachments: Resolution 565-2025.pdf
Good Afternoon!
Please see the attached Resolution No. 565-2025 of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners reiterating its
long-standing opposition to the inclusion of new offshore oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida in the Five-Year
National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a regular meeting, held in formal
session, on December 10, 2025.
Please distribute this resolution to members of your governing body, City Managers and City Attorneys, and please feel
free to contact me at(305)292-3550 if you have any questions!
Liz Yongue
Deputy Clerk—Executive Assistant to the Clerk BOCC
(ARR 1,
Operations
t. �
.° � Kevin Madok, CPA
OK Clerk of the Circuit Court& Comptroller
500 Whitehead Street Key West, Florida, 33040
Phone: 305-292-3550
www.monroe-clerk.com
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1
° �
fr \\ OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF VAR
` 3400 DEFENSE PENTAGON
it4 WASHINGTON,DC 20301-3400
ENERGY,INSTALLATIONS February 23, 2026
AND ENVIRONMENT
Kevin Madok, CPA,
Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex-officio to the
Monroe County Board of County Commissioners
500 Whitehead Street ,�..`.
Ke West FL 3 3 040 = �.--'
y ,
Dear Mr. Madok ,'
. !
This letter is in response to the copy of the Monroe County, Florida's Board of Counter
Commissioners (Board)Resolution No. 565-2025, dated December 10, 2025,that you sent to
Secretary Hegseth. Among the resolutions passed, the Board stated it formally opposed the.
inclusion of any new offshore oil and gas leasing off the Florida coast in the 11th National Outer
Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program and directed the County Clerk to send a copy of
Resolution No. 565-2025 to the Secretary of Department of War(DoW).
The Board premised Resolution No. 565-2025 on several findings, including some
related to national security in and around the Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range. To address
national security issues on the Outer Continental Shelf; the DoW and the Department of the
Interior(DOI)have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)that ensures DoW's testing,
training, operational, and defense readiness needs are protected from incompatible development.
Pursuant to the MOU,the Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
(Clearinghouse) performs its roles and responsibilities, including its duties under the MOU, in
compliance with all Federal laws, regulations, and Executive Orders.
Thank you for your support of national defense in the Eastern Gulf of America. We
recognize the many varied interests that participate in offshore energy permitting decisions, and
we will continue to work with the states and DOI, acting through its Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management(BOEM), to ensure national security concerns are addressed.
If you have any questions, please contact Robbin Beard, Executive Director of the
Clearinghouse, at robbin.e.beard.civ@mail.mil or at 703-693-7190.
Sincerely,
Digitally signed by
IHO M PSO N.ROBE,:.THOMPSON.ROBERT.E.104404
RT.E.1044046578; `65 e,
Date:2026.02.23 07:15:16-05'00'
Robert E. Thompson
Performing the.Duties of the
Assistant Secretary of War for
Energy, Installations and Environment
• Kevin Madok CPA
• Clerk of the Circuit Court&Comptroller—Monroe County, Florida
December 30, 2025
The Honorable Pete Hegseth
Secretary of War
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000
Dear Mr. Secretary,
Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 565-2025 of the Monroe County Board of
County Commissioners reiterating its long-standing opposition to the inclusion of new offshore
oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida in the Five-Year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil
and Gas Leasing Program.
This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at
a regular meeting,held in formal session, on December 10, 2025. Should you have any
questions,please feel free to contact me at(305)292-3550.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the
Circuit Court and ex-officio to the
Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners
By: Liz Yongue, Deputy Clerk
cc: File
lir
I 1'
.11,[111,111I11111 [1111111111
OSD000463-261CM D000581-26
KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY
500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88770 Overseas Highway
Key West, Florida 33040 Marathon, Florida 33050 Plantation Key, Florida 33070
RESOLUTION NO. 565 -2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
REITERATING ITS LONG-STANDING OPPOSITION TO
THE INCLUSION OF NEW OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS
LEASING OFF THE COAST OF FLORIDA IN THE FIVE-
YEAR NATIONAL OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF OIL
AND GAS LEASING PROGRAM.
_ .
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners (hereinafter "the Board-) has
repeatedly expresed its long-standing opposition to new offshore oil and gas exploration off the
Coast of Flori41s, as most recently evidenced by Resolution I 1f2OI7ãs- well as the Board's- -
adopted legisia.,;tive auendas m 2018 through the present, and
WHERKkAs the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management(hereinafter "BOEM.") is
developing the I 1tf4, National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which
would open over 31 ',000 square miles of new areas for offshore oil,drilling moving this activity
to within IN miles 4!,-.)f the Florida shoreline including the Dry Tortuzas, a pristine, ecologically
delicate,protected, historical and revered western most portion of Monroe Counw, and
positioning pennissibl‘e oil drillinu operations within preva.iiing currents that portends that any
spills would result in dikrect harms to the Florida Keys econom:.,, and ecosystems; and
WHEREAS. the a'oEm,under the Department of Interior of the United States, in has
requested public input on whether to include new offshore leasing areas by no later than
January 23, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Register notice of the public comment period that was
published on November 24, 20257, directs interested pales to submit comments either by:
a) Online submission through the "retifations,gov'' web penal regarding "Docket ID:
BOEM-2025-042": or
b) Mailed in an e-ravelope labeled Cornrni-V'''''° the 1I National OCS Oil and Gas
ei;vered to Ms. Kelly Hammerle, Bureau of
Leasing Program and mailed or hand
), 4,5600 Woodland Road. Sterling, VA
Ocean Energy Management(VAM-L,
20166-92 6.
WHEREAS, the economy of Monroe County, better known as the Florida Keys, depends
heavily on a healthy coastal and marine environment, supporting industries,such as tourism,
recreation, commercial and recreational fishing, and related small businesses; and
WHEREAS, our local economy is further enhanced through the military training
activities that take place at Naval Air Station Key West(NASKW), which support flight training
and test, surface vessel training and test, and subsurface test and training operations in the
Eastern. Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR), which is used by all branches of the:military;
and
WHEREAS, the training and test operations based out of NASKW, Naval Surface
Warfare Center Panama City as well as Eglin, Tyndall, and MacDill Air Force Bases. rely on
unfettered access to the air and sea space over the Eastern.Gulf of America; and
WHEREAS,the proposed oil exploration threatens the long-standing unfired
encroachment free access by the U.S. military services to air and sea space oftha Gulf and
WHEREAS, clean water, thri i rig ecosystems, and an attractive coatmtzi environment are
vital to maintaining property values, sustaining local businesses, and encurin g the quality of life
for residents and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, offshore oil and gas exploration, development, and carry inherent
,
risks, including oil pills. leaks, habitat destruction, and pollution, whiclJ could cause significant
long-term harm to our coastal economy, natural resources, and way of Iiife; and
WHEREAS, the history of risk associated with the oil and gas industry and the inability
tier Horizon Oil Spill located
to control harmful oil spills, as demonstrated in the '2010 Deep ‘3‘i
nearly 300 miles from the Florida Keys and Monroe County, resu:ited historic damage to
Florida's coastal shoreline as well as its economy; and
WHEREAS, even the perception of envil'onmental risk ass6cciated with offshore drilling
can negatively impact tourism, investment, and b
usiness developmmt in coastal areas; and
WHEREAS, the protection of our citizens, community, ecosysems, coastal
environment, military readiness and econom: d, priority for the Board; and the Board finds that
the long-term well-being of our community eighs the short-term benefits that expanded
offshore drilling might offer to the oil and ndustrv:
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESMAIL by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe
County, Florida that:
1. The Board formally opposes the inclusion of any new offshore oil and gas leasing off
the Florida coast in the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing
Program.
2. The Board urges the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management(BOEM)to prioritize the
protection of coastal economies, communities, and ecosystems by excluding new
offshore oil and gas leases from the final leasing program.
3. The Board urges our federal representatives in Congress to oppose efforts to expand
• offshore drilling and to support policies that protect our oceans, coasts,and the
industries and communities that depend on them.
4. The Board expresses support for S. 3082,the American Shores Protection Act of
2025 that Senator Ashley Moody has sponsored and which has been co-sponsored by
Senators Rick Scott and Lindsey Graham. That bill would permanently bar oil and
gas drilling off the coasts of Florida including the Eastern Gulf.
4. The Clerk is directed to submit a certified copy of this resolution as the Board's
public comment to Ms. Kelly Hammerle,Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
(VAM-LD), 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA /0166-9216.
5. Staff is authorized to develop and submit more comprehensive comments on behalf of
the Board.
6. The Clerk is directed to send a copy of this resolution to:
a. President Donald J. Trump, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.,NW Washington,DC
20500;
b. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, 1000 Defense Pentagon, Washington,DC 20301-
1000;
e. Governor Ron DeSantis,400 S. Monroe Street,Tallahassee,FL 32399-0001;
d. Senator Rick Scott, 110 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
e. Senator Ashley Moody, 387 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington,DC 20510
f. Rep. Carlos Gimenez,448 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington,DC 20515
• g.. State Senator A.na Maria Rodriguez,410 Senate Bldg., Tallahassee, FL 32399
h. State Representative Jim Mooney, 334 The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
i. The Clerks of the cities of Key Colony Beach,Key West, Layton, and Marathon
• as well as the Islamorada Village:Clerk with a request that each Clerk distribute
• this resolution to members of their governing bodies,their City Managers, and
• City Attorneys.
7. Members of the Community are encouraged to submit public comment opposing the
proposal to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management by January 23, 2026,through the
web portal or by mail.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,Florida,
at its regular business meeting held on the 10th day of December 2025; in Key Largo, Florida.
r.........._.7,
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: . . . . . ` • Mayor Milelle-Lincoln.•: - . :• •Yes: - •. : : . . . .
: :•• : :'Mayor Pro:Terra David-Rice • :• - .:Yes : : : .
• :• . :• ' ; :.• - • Commissionier Craig Cates :•... .•• '. . Yes - s : : . .• :• - .. - :
. •• •. ' : •• • . •• - .. •. Commissioner Ja ies K., Scholl •- ' : -••• . •:' •Ye:s...• • • :
.• - .: : • : :• • • Commissioner Holly:Merrill•Raschein: Yes : : • .: : - .. . -: :• •.. .• • .
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• - • -• Approved as.to Form•and Legal:Sufficiency:- •••• ' : : i•• ... : : : : •
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• • :. •. • : :Rob B:�Shillinger,,Jr.,County Attorney: • : - : • • ': : . . • .. . ' • - . : .
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500 Whitehead Street•Key West,Florida 33040 or,, r ?/-k, "P, _ 0
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