Chamber continues to oppose offshore drilling – Destin Log

By Annie Blanks | 315-4450 | @DestinLogAnnie | ablanks@thedestinlog.com

The Destin Chamber drafted a resolution earlier this year to reinforce its stance opposing offshore drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

The resolution states that the Destin Chamber Board of Directors opposes the drilling so that we may preserve and protect our tourism industry and the (Military Mission Line) for military training purposes that protect the United States of America.

Chamber CEO Shane Moody said the board has opposed offshore drilling for the past several years, and the most recent resolution only solidifies the organizations stance.

This is not a new issue, just reinforcement of our position over the years, Moody said. Its out boards decision to help maintain and protect the economy that we have.

The two main reasons the chamber cited for opposing drilling were tourism and the military. Moody said he does not want to see oil spills impact the areas beaches and waters, and oil wells in the Gulf would be unsightly to visitors.

People dont want to sit on the beach and see an oil well 10 or 12 miles out, Moody said. We dont want to see the big tankers out there if theres pollution. (Not having any drilling) maintains the beauty of our beaches we have now, and we dont want anything to destroy that.

The Military Mission Line prohibits offshore drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico so that military units can train without interference. The Air Force and Navy, including forces from Eglin Air Force Base, frequently use the waters for training purposes.

The protection of the (Military Mission Line) expires in a few years, and we want to make sure that thats maintained, Moody said.

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Chamber continues to oppose offshore drilling - Destin Log