The race for security and prosperity in the 21st century will be won by the country that controls its energy future. China and Persian Gulf nations have been on the march for decades, but untapped resources off Florida’s shores could put America back on top.
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President Donald Trump has made energy independence a priority. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order called “Unleashing American Energy.” This federal policy directive was designed to expand American energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters to strengthen our long-term energy independence and global leadership while boosting jobs and securing supply chains. The administration’s goal is to protect America’s economy, national security and military readiness through access to U.S-based energy.
Much of that opportunity lies in vast energy reserves off the west coast of Florida.
Some Florida lawmakers remain hesitant to embrace offshore energy development due to concerns about military operations or potential harm to Florida’s beaches. However, America’s rigorous environmental standards and regulations — combined with some of the world’s most advanced and safest offshore exploration technologies — have already solved environmental concerns.
Likewise, military exercise concerns have already been addressed as a matter of Department of Defense policy. Florida is home to some of the nation’s most important military installations, including Eglin Air Force Base and its expansive Gulf test and training ranges. Yet offshore energy development and military readiness have coexisted safely for decades. Since the 1970s, oil and natural gas operations in the Gulf of America have operated alongside military training, testing and operational missions. Existing offshore lease areas already overlap with military operating areas, demonstrating that coexistence is routine, proven and actively managed.
Every offshore lease area undergoes a rigorous federal review process involving both defense and energy agencies. Defense reviews have consistently found that only limited portions of the eastern Gulf are unsuitable for development, while compatible areas can be governed by strict conditions that preserve military flexibility.
Throughout history, competition over energy — often called “resource imperialism” — has been a primary driver of devastating global conflicts. Japan attacked China in 1931 to access raw materials; it attacked Pearl Harbor because the U.S. interfered with those efforts. Chronic oil disputes led Iraq to invade Kuwait, which caused global fuel prices to double and led to the 1991 Gulf War. The current conflict in Iran, and that country’s subsequent blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, is the most recent reminder that obstructing global supply chains is a common tool of war.
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The Russia-Ukraine conflict and Iran war have resulted in higher energy prices across the board, especially at the pump, which has made everyone more aware of the importance of energy independence. Domestic drilling neuters much of Iran’s influence, not only in the U.S. but for nations that would prefer to buy from us instead of a dictatorial, terrorist-supporting country.
The benefits extend beyond geopolitics. A recent Energy and Industrial Advisory Partners analysis found that expanding offshore development in the Gulf could support more than 133,000 American jobs, generate $11.3 billion in U.S. GDP, and attract $13.1 billion in capital investment and industry spending. Just as importantly, a stronger domestic energy supply helps ensure reliable and affordable energy that underpins military readiness and economic security alike.
Bank robber Willie Sutton famously stated that he robbed banks “because that’s where the money is.” Similarly, in the waters off the coast of Florida, that’s where the oil is.
Florida has a unique opportunity to enhance its role as a national energy leader by accessing the oil reserves that are so critical to our daily lives, our economy and our global leadership position. These will enhance Americans’ energy independence, improve our national security and reduce economic threats to us and our allies.
We may be only the 22nd state in terms of landmass, but our ability to protect our nation and help eliminate our reliance on adversarial foreign governments is enormous. It’s time for Florida to take its place in leading America’s 21st-century energy future.
Jeramiah Solven is a Fort Lauderdale resident, former Army Ranger and founder of the leadership training organization Conquer Academy.
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