Why Zinke Gave Florida a Break on Drilling

After announcing the coast of almost all states would be open for oil and gas production, the Secretary of the Interior changed his mind on one after meeting with Trump’s favored candidate for Senate.

2 minute read

January 19, 2018, 12:00 PM PST

By Katharine Jose


A private club located in Florida

FloridaStock / Shutterstock

Reviewing a year of the Department of the Interior under Ryan Zinke, Elizabeth Kolbert notes that he is, "in many ways, a typical Trump appointee" in that "[n]early all Trump’s Cabinet members have shown disdain for the regulatory processes they’re charged with supervising."

Since he first rode into town and raised his flag over the agency, Zinke has reopened federal land for coal leases, recommended shrinking Bears Ears National Monument, expressed interest in making it easier to drill for oil and gas on public land, and rolled back regulation on methane.

Earlier this month, despite bipartisan opposition from both politicians and voters, Zinke announced he would open almost all of the coastal areas in the United States to offshore drilling.

Several days later, he took part of it back. After a brief meeting with Florida Governor Rick Scott, Zinke removed the state’s coast from consideration.

“The move was manifestly political. In the past, Scott has supported drilling for oil just about everywhere, including in the Everglades, but, with Trump’s encouragement, he is now expected to challenge Florida’s senior senator, Bill Nelson, a Democrat, in November.”

Even more recently, Zinke’s refusal to meet with the National Park Service Advisory Board prompted the resignation of nine of its 12 members.

"In the decades to come," Kolbert writes, "one can hope that many of the Trump Administration’s mistakes—on tax policy, say, or trade—will be rectified. But the destruction of the country’s last unspoiled places is a loss that can never be reversed."

Thursday, January 18, 2018 in The New Yorker

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog