PRESS RELEASE

NEW RADIO AD QUESTIONS SENATOR MARTINEZ ON COASTAL DRILLING
Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund Airs Ad Focusing on Energy Solutions, not Big Oil Drilling Giveaways

Orlando, FL - Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund began airing a radio ad in Orlando today that questions Senator Mel Martinez's commitment to protect Florida's beaches and its multi-billion dollar tourism industry. "I continue to be steadfast in my opposition to any drilling off Florida's coasts," begins the ad, a statement Senator Mel Martinez made October 5, 2005. The ad juxtaposes such statements with details of a new drilling deal that Senator Martinez cut with pro-drilling Senators last week.

"Senator Martinez has repeatedly claimed that he values Florida's coastline, so we're puzzled by the fact that he has authored a drilling deal that allows oil rigs in the Gulf and gives oil companies access to previously protected areas," stated Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund. "The Senator must understand that without his support, this bad deal for Florida's coasts cannot move forward. He should shelve it. "

The 60-second ad encourages Floridians to call the Senator's Florida office to voice their opposition to drilling for oil off Florida's coast. "[It] may be a win for oil companies -- but it's a huge loss for the people who live, work and vacation in Florida," states the ad.

The so-called deal Martinez has cut opens a large section of the Gulf of Mexico and gives big oil access to coastal waters off of Florida that are currently protected under the existing national moratorium. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure before the end of the month.

"It's certainly not too late for Senator Martinez to protect Florida's coasts. He has a chance to vote for more productive, results-driven initiatives other than drilling," declared Schlickeisen.

"Offshore oil and gas drilling is the slowest, dirtiest and most expensive way to produce energy. New offshore drilling won't help address problems today, tomorrow or anytime soon as it won't produce any oil or natural gas until 2013," stated Schlickeisen. "We have the ingenuity and capability to find better, more efficient ways to produce energy than by drilling. Clean, renewable energy initiatives are the solution to our energy problems, not short-term drill-at-all costs stop gaps."

The radio ad "Knew" can be heard by clicking here.

Additional Senator Mel Martinez quotes opposing offshore drilling:

• June 16, 2005, St. Pete Times: "I want to protect the Gulf Coast of Florida and I have the right to be unreasonable about it," Martinez said. "We have a tradition in protecting this Gulf Coast."
  
• February 2, 2006, Daytona Beach News Journal, Associated Press: Martinez on the Permanent Protection for Florida Act: "This bill [Nelson-Martinez bill] sends a message that's loud and clear -- Florida's waters are off-limits," Martinez said, calling the action a "pre-emptive strike."
  
• February 17, 2006, Miami Herald: "We have a fragile ecosystem. That's why we're so concerned, so preoccupied with what happens in the Gulf of Mexico."
  
• June 16, 2005, Miami Herald: "At least until the year 2012, there will be no drilling," Martinez announcedto announce the deal between Florida's senators and Sens. Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman.

Listen to the ad

Read the radio script