“We oppose oil drilling in the unique and irreplaceable Apalachicola River Basin.”

Apalachicola Riverkeeper • Downriver Project • Earth Ethics, Inc. • Fighting Bottom Charters • Florida Paddling Trails Association • Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association • Fall Line Guide Service • Food & Water Watch • Gulf County Citizens Coalition • Healthy Gulf • J.P. Roberts Hurricane Shutters • National Wildlife Federation • Southern Oyster Farms • ReThink Energy Florida • Richard Bickel Photography • Tranquil Touch, Inc. • Sierra Club Florida • Wakulla Springs Alliance • Water is Life Oysters

Our waters. Our rights. Our heritage.

Oil drilling threatens the Apalachicola oyster tradition. Photo by Richard Bickel

A Louisiana company wants to drill for oil and gas beside flowing waters in the Apalachicola River Basin. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) currently supports their plan. We intend to change that.

The proposed form of “exploratory” drilling will punch through the aquifer, inject high volumes of toxic chemicals, and suck in thousands of gallons of fresh water every day. Contaminated wastewater will then be hauled through our communities or forced underground. Spills will endanger our oyster and Tupelo Honey industries, tourism economy, drinking water, and fishing tradition along the Apalachicola and Chipola Rivers.

Oil drilling interests are counting on us to sit down, shut up, and watch our way of life die. Enough is enough. It’s time to fight.

Riverside Oil Drilling: Fast Facts

  1. This is moving quickly: On April 26, 2024, DEP quietly issued a “notice of intent” stating that they planned to give a drilling permit to Clearwater Land & Minerals. Apalachicola Riverkeeper rapidly filed a legal challenge. Learn more about the legal case against drilling at apalachicolariverkeeper.org.

  2. Threatening Apalachicola Bay is contrary to historic taxpayer investments: Floridians are working to restore and reopen Apalachicola Bay to support a thriving shellfish industry, but this project would undermine critical progress. DEP is also violating the spirit of the Governor’s executive order for the agency to “adamantly oppose” drilling by hydraulic fracturing in Florida.

  3. There is record-breaking public opposition: Per state records, more people have written in opposition to this project than for all other drilling permits combined. To date, only one person has written in support. But more voices are required for us to be heard.

  4. Elected leaders are taking a stand: Strong letters of opposition have been officially issued by the Franklin, Gulf, and Leon County Boards of County Commissioners; the City Commissions of Apalachicola, Wewahitchka, and Port St. Joe; and Sen. Corey Simon, who represents the Forgotten Coast.

  5. The Governor can tell DEP to change course: At any moment, the agency can simply withdraw their support for the drilling project, avoid an embarrassing legal fight, and protect Florida’s environmental heritage. Governor DeSantis just needs to say the word.

A shared vision

St Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for raptors, migratory birds, red wolves and other endangered species. Photo by Richard Bickel

When we protect our resources, we invest in local businesses that help our coastal economies thrive and support our quality of life. We envision a Forgotten Coast where our jobs, culture, and environmental treasures are sustained. When industries and businesses work in tandem, we preserve public health, protect iconic wildlife, and gain sources of sustainable income. It’s our responsibility to conserve the Apalachicola River Basin—and all the blessings that flow from it—now and for future generations.