Over the years, the issue of oil drilling off the coasts of Florida has been resuscitated in an attempt to open up more areas to drilling, which many believe would lead to a better chance for the United States to become energy-independent.

Recently, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Florida) spoke on the Senate floor to address what he thought might happen during a Donald Trump presidency.  During his speech, Nelson offered the following:

Donald Trump said during the campaign that he intends "to open up additional areas off the coast to oil drilling."

Our partners at Politifact took a look at this claim to see if it was accurate.  PolitiFact reporter Allison Graves says that Nelson's statement rates MOSTLY TRUE on the Truth-O-Meter.  Graves says that Trump had indeed made those promises on the campaign trail.

"Donald Trump's 'American First' energy plan contained a lot of campaign-style pledges, and all were aimed at slashing regulations and opening up restricted areas for more domestic drilling," said Graves.  "The problem here is that, while Trump wants to do these things, he's going to have a bit of a tough time getting it done.  That's because some of the bans and moratoriums that have been placed on drilling extend into the next decade."

Graves notes that Nelson had a hand in passing some of the bans and moratoriums that are in place.  "Some of the bans that Nelson helped pass will restrict drilling in some parts of Florida until 2022," said Graves.  "Add to that the fact that President Obama banned drilling in the Arctic, which means that even though President Trump wants to increase oil production in the United States, he's going to have a tough time doing it."

PolitiFact rated Nelson's claim as MOSTLY TRUE on the Truth-O-Meter.

 

SOURCES: Trump to expand oil drilling?