HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 2020-3084 RESOLUTION NO. 2020 -i1' J4-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF SUNNY ISLES
BEACH, FLORIDA, EXPRESSING THE CITY'S OPPOSITION TO
OFFSHORE DRILLING ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING SEISMIC AIRGUN
BLASTING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO CITY OFFICIALS;
PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS,the United States government has expressed interest in opening the Atlantic
Ocean and Eastern Gulf of Mexico to offshore oil and gas development and exploration, including
risky methods such as seismic airgun blasting; and,
WHEREAS, seismic airguns fire intense blasts of compressed air, one of the loudest
manmade sounds in the ocean, every 10-12 seconds for days, weeks, or months on end; and,
WHEREAS, seismic airgun noise has been shown to harm and injure dolphins, whales,
endangered sea turtles, fish, and other marine life; and,
WHEREAS, exploratory and commercial drilling, extraction, and transportation of
offshore oil and gas resources pose a significant risk of oil spills and chronic leakage; and,
WHEREAS, eventual offshore drilling may require significant onshore infrastructure,
such as pipelines or refineries, which would harm the character of the coast; and,
WHEREAS, offshore drilling activities pose threats to treasured vacation destinations on
Florida's Coasts, which are of intrinsic economic value for numerous industries,provide essential
nursery habitats for recreational and commercially important fisheries, and act as natural buffers
from storm surge and hurricanes; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Sunny Isles Beach recognizes that the tourism and fishing
industries, which depend on a healthy and vibrant coastal environment, both serve as major
economic drivers benefiting the current and future residents, property owners, and visitors to
Florida; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Sunny Isles Beach endeavors to be a good steward of the state
and region's environment and its resources; and,
WHEREAS,exploration and development of oil and gas resources off the coast of Florida
will not effectively address the long-term energy needs of our country; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Sunny Isles Beach recommends that it would be more
economically and ecologically responsible to pursue non-polluting sources of renewable energy
such as solar and wind, that pose less risk to the coastal environment and economic health before
using uncertain methods of seismic airgun blasting for offshore oil and gas deposits; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that expressing opposition to offshore drilling
activities, including seismic airgun blasting, is in the best interest of the City.
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•
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA:
Section 1. Recitals Adopted. The foregoing recitals are hereby ratified and confirmed by the
City Commission and are incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 2. Finding. Offshore oil and gas drilling and exploration, including seismic airgun
blasting, will put Florida's environment, beaches, marine resources and local economies at risk.
Section 3. Opposition to Federal Action. The City Commission expresses its opposition to
these activities and urges the federal government not to pursue such practices off Florida's coast.
The City Commission further urges the State Administration and Florida Legislature to oppose
any such federal actions.
Section 4. Distribution. The City Clerk is directed to submit copies of the resolution to
Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott,Governor DeSantis,the Speaker of the House,the President
of the Senate, the Florida League of Cities, the Florida Association of Counties, the Florida City-
County Management Association, Board of County Commissioners for Miami-Dade County, the
Miami-Dade County League of Cities, the Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation, and each
of the municipalities in Miami-Dade County.
Section 5. Implementation. That the appropriate City officials are hereby authorized to
execute all necessary documents and to take all actions necessary to effectuate the intent of this
Resolution.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its
adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of-July 2020.
1A George H. Scholl, Mayor
ATTEST:
61/7:**-21?' "
Qom, Mauricio etancur, CMC, City Clerk
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APPROVED AS TO FORM
7 LE ICIENCY:
6._Edward A. Dion, City Attorney
Motion b • ;„/,, 55/ I C17„ ' Second by:tice, Yritg Sire W
Vote:
Mayor Scholl t/ (Yes) (No)
Vice Mayor Svechin ✓ (Yes) (No)
Commissioner Goldman ✓ (Yes) (No)
Commissioner Lama i/ (Yes) (No)
Commissioner Viscarra ✓ (Yes) (No)
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