1988-21 Opposes Oil Drilling without 30 Mile Buffer ZoneRESOId1PION NO. 21-88 .
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FIARIDA,
OPPOSING OIL DRILLING AND EXPIARATION OFF THE ODA.ST OF FLORIDA AND THE FLORIDA
KEYS WITHOUT' A THIRTY-MILE BUFFER 20NE; REQUESTING THE PALM BEACH OOUATIR BOARD
OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION OPPOSING OFFSHORE DRILLING WITHOUT
' A THIRTY-MILE BUFFER ZONE; REQUESTING 1HE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO OPP06E PLANS
FOR ANY SUCH DRILLING AND EXPLORATION; AND AUTHORI2IN^v DISTRIBUTION AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE p4TE.
WHEREAS, the United States Department of the Interior has recently
announced a five-year leasing program to conduct lease sales in offshore Gulf
waters southwest of the coast of Florida; and
WHEREAS, other proposals may address other portions of the Florida
Coast and Keys; and
WHEREAS, the Village o~ North Palm Beach, Florida, is opposed to any
offshore oil exploration projects off Florida's coast unless a thirty-mile
buffer zone is established and any drilling must ocair outside the thirty-mile
buffer zone; and
WHEREAS, the Village Of North Palm Beach, Florida, recognizes the
importance of nearshore and offshore regions as a public asset and as a resource
needing continued protection; and
W[IEREAS, a thirty-mile buffer zone along Florida's coast is essential
in preserving and protecting one of Florida's most valuable natural resources
and to reduce potential disastrous impacts that could Occur due to offshore oil
exploration; and
' W[IEREAS, any oil spill off the coast of Florida would have severe and
long-tezm impacts on the economy and quality of life and its citizenst and
WHEREAS, Florida Governor Bob Martinez, the Southwest Florida Regional
Planning Council, the Florida League of Cities -and many other local
organizations and individuals have voiced opposition to the United States
Department of the Interior's proposal, as presented, for a five-year leasing
plan for oil exploration off Florida's West Coast, citing environmental concerns
and the importance of preserving the integrity of the coastline and im:ansely
productive bays and estuaries.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NDRTH PALM
BEACH, FTARII]A:
Section 1. The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners adopt
a resolutio opn~posing offshore oil exploration and Qrilling along Florida's
Coast and the Florida Keys without a thirty-mile buffer zone.
Section 2. The United States Congress is hereby requested to oppose
any plans toto a~Iow offshore oil exploration and drilling along Florida's Coast
and the Florida Keys without a thirty mile buffer zone in order to preserve the
area's natural resources and economy for private and public recreation.
Section 3. The United States Congress is requested to give this vital
issue its gFi ei~st priority attention.
Section 4. The Village Clerk is hereby directed to forward a
certified Dopy o~ this Resolution to Palm Beach County's Congressional
Delegation, the Governor of the State of Florida, the United States Dapartment
of the Interior, and Palm Beach County coastal municipalities.
Section 5. This Resolution shall take effect iimiediately upon
passage.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 25th Q4Y OF AUGUST , 1988.
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ATTEST:
Village Clerk