President Barack Obama's proposal to allow oil drilling in federal waters off Florida is more reason the state Legislature should not
consider allowing the practice in state waters this session, Florida Keys state House Rep. Ron Saunders said Friday.

Saunders and other state Democrat legislators had a conference call Thursday with climate change adviser and former Environmental Protection
Agency Administrator Carol Browner to discuss concerns about drilling off Florida.

"We wanted to make sure this does not give the green light to the state initiative to allow oil drilling," Saunders said. "We wanted to make
sure our concerns are heard and that we have input. We don't want anything that will open the door to the state oil drilling proposal."

The state proposal, which has been on hold since the House passed it last year, could allow drilling within three miles of Florida's
coastline. State senators introduced a drilling bill, SB 2622, on March 3, but it has not been put to a vote. The federal proposal would lift a
drilling ban in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, about 125 miles off Florida.

Saunders has asked fellow state legislators to postpone a debate and vote on drilling until at least next year, when federal legislators
release their plans and/or vote on allowing drilling in federal waters off Florida, he said.

"It makes no sense to vote on state drilling until we find out what the feds are going to do," Saunders said.

House Republican Dean Cannon, who has been pushing to allow drilling, was already using Obama's announcement on Wednesday to gain support for
drilling in state waters, Saunders said. Saunders quoted Cannon as saying, "Even Obama supports oil drilling." Cannon's office did not
return phone messages left at his Tallahassee office Friday.

Obama cited myriad reasons for exploring drilling for oil and natural gas from Florida to Delaware, which included national security issues
that stem from dependency on foreign oil. Obama's proposal caused a backlash from environmental groups Wednesday, including the Sierra Club,
Florida Audubon Society and National Wildlife Federation. Obama's announcement also has been met with opposition by the Keys-based Reef
Relief.

"The living coral reef ecosystem of South Florida is not an appropriate environment for offshore oil and gas activities to occur," Reef Relief
Executive Director Millard McCleary said. "Depending on ocean currents and weather conditions, oil spills could reach our reefs from the
eastern Gulf in a matter of days. The reward of a few days' energy for the nation is not worth the risk and environmental and economic
consequences to our way of life here in the Keys and throughout Florida."

Sanctuary officials also have opposed bringing oil drilling closer to Florida. Sanctuary Regional Administrator Billy Causey could not be
reached for comment Friday.

Florida Sen. George LeMieux issued a cautious statement regarding Obama's announcement.

"Energy independence is one of our generation's ultimate challenges and Florida can play a critical role," LeMieux wrote. "Safe and clean
technologies used far enough from our shores is a proposal worth considering, but only if Florida's interests are protected and we
benefit from the proceeds just like other states. Our considerations must include Florida's pristine beaches and the military's need to train
in the Gulf. Satisfying the need to protect our natural resources and our national security requirements remain my top priorities."

LeMieux argued that exploration is only part of the solution. The United States needs to work harder on harvesting renewable forms of energy
including wind, solar and nuclear power, he said.

Drilling opponents contend the money generated pales in comparison to revenues from tourism, which would be in jeopardy from drilling. Florida
beaches, coral reefs and coastal waters generate $562 billion a year, according to the Florida Oceans and Coastal Council.

The Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and other waterways support 5.8 million jobs and account for 79 percent of the state's economy, they
say. The ocean, reefs and backcountry waters off the Keys alone generate $1.2 billion a year through fishing, diving, and restaurant and hotel
business, Causey has said.

*tohara@keysnews.com*