Tide Could Be Turning On Gulf Drilling

Now, as oil rig engineers consider tougher, storm-proof design standards, energy executives and lobbyists in Washington are poised to seize a window of opportunity that has eluded them for at least a decade: a chance to expand into waters now off-limits, especially key areas of the eastern Gulf of Mexico, near Florida.

Not only have energy interests gained a sympathetic reception for expanded drilling from congressional leaders in recent days, they also are emboldened by the apparent breakaway of four Florida Republicans who are working on a deal that would give the companies at least some of what they want.

TampaTribune