In a Tallahassee Democrat op-ed published this week, the Florida Petroleum Council's Dave Mica challenges recent inaccurate claims that oil and natural gas jobs are declining and production off Florida's coast will harm the tourism industry.

Dave argues that the oil and natural gas industry already supports 9.2 million American jobs and is poised to create even more jobs if provided more opportunities to explore and produce domestic oil and natural gas.

Further, energy development doesn't have to come at a price to the environment. Dave says:

"The good news is that Florida does not have to choose between offshore oil and natural gas development and tourism and the environment. State-of-the-art advances in seismic measurements, directional drilling, subsea production and safety systems, along with cooperative planning among industry, governments, local communities and environmental stakeholders, have led to incredibly creative and responsible approaches for reaching oil and natural gas resources in unique areas."

Dave cites a few examples of oil and natural facilities where energy development and the environment are in harmony, including Independence Hub south of Pensacola in the Gulf of Mexico. A one-acre surface platform manages 10 natural gas fields on the ocean floor, extending about 40 miles from the platform.

Dave explains:

"...technology has expanded the possibilities for meeting the unique challenges of Florida's special environment and military commitments in new ways. And the industry continues to innovate to meet new challenges."

Domestic oil and natural gas can provide new jobs, revenues and energy for the nation's economy. For more information, read the full op-ed.