Sen. Scott calls latest Biden administration proposed boating restriction ‘INSANE’

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FLV) – Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., is requesting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association explain its proposed changes that would limit a large area of the Gulf of Mexico to a 10-knot vessel speed and outlaw night sailing.

The Florida senator issued a formal letter directed to President Joe Biden outlining its cause and effect on Florida families and business.

“We strongly believe that these widely burdensome restrictions on vessel operations would prove disastrous to Florida’s economy, negatively impact American commerce and be especially painful for Gulf Coast communities; many of which have yet to fully recover from the destruction by Hurricane Michael,” Scott said in the letter.

Scott pointed to the Gulf’s strategic influence on America’s commerce, including its critical role alongside the US Air Force and Navy, as key consequences to NOAA’s changes.

He went on to state the ongoing risks and possible future implications of Communist China, Russia, and Iran would stifle American military personnel to do its job efficiency.

The Gulf of Mexico covers 1.6 million kilometers, or about 615,000 square miles.

Scott adds the economic impact of the Biden administration changes would be felt with to as much as 900,000 jobs in Florida’s cargo and cruise industries. He said it would cause a $117.6 billion dollar hit to the state.

Further, Scott stated, roughly 13% of Florida’s GDP benefits from marine activities, which in tune present $4.2 billion dollars in municipal taxes.

The senator, through his examples, opines the regulation changeover would ultimately hurt state jobs and have consequential effect on Florida’s economic enterprise.

Scott called the proposal “INSANE” in his tweet in response to the NOAA’s proposed rule change.