Update for May 2025:
It’s working! The Kill the Drill Bill sponsored by Rep. Jason Shoaf and amended by Sen. Corey Simon passed overwhelmingly in the Florida Legislature. Now, it’s on its way to the Governor’s desk.
In addition, a judge has ruled in favor of the Apalachicola Riverkeeper, telling FDEP it should deny Clearwater's request for an exploratory drilling permit. FDEP will now make its final determination.
We have the momentum. Now, it’s time to help the Governor finish the job and forever Kill the Drill.
“We oppose oil drilling in the unique and irreplaceable Apalachicola River Basin.”
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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) has supported their plan. But we’re working to change that.
The proposed form of “exploratory” drilling would punch through the aquifer, inject high volumes of toxic chemicals, and suck in thousands of gallons of fresh water every day. Contaminated wastewater would then be hauled through our communities or forced underground. Spills would endanger our oyster and Tupelo Honey industries, tourism economy, drinking water, and fishing tradition along the Apalachicola and Chipola Rivers.
Oil drilling interests wanted us to sit down, shut up, and watch our way of life die. Enough is enough. We refused.
Riverside Oil Drilling: Fast Facts
This proposal has moved quickly: In April 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. In May 2025, a judge sided with Apalachicola Riverkeeper.
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.
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.
Elected leaders have taken a stand: Opposition has come from Rep. Jason Shoaf and Sen. Corey Simon; Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith; the Franklin, Gulf, and Leon County Boards of County Commissioners; and the City Commissions of Apalachicola, Wewahitchka, and Port St. Joe.
The Governor can now end this threat for good: A Kill the Drill Bill has passed overwhelmingly in the Florida legislature. All that’s left is the Governor’s signature.
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 a 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.
