If the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has its way, a huge swath of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, long considered off limits, will be opened to offshore drilling.

A map released Nov. 20 includes a proposal to extend oil exploration and drilling opportunities east from the Alabama line across waters extending the length of the entire Panhandle of Florida.

Politicians and activists alike were quick to respond and express concerns over the plan.

If the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has its way, a huge swath of the Eastern Gulf, long considered off limits, will be opened to .

A map released Nov. 20 includes a proposal to extend oil exploration and east from the Alabama line across waters extending the length of the entire Panhandle of Florida.

The area has been labeled by BOEM as “Pro

See Full Page