![\"Jeramiah](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/TFL-L-Jeramiah-Solven-01.jpg\")
Jeramiah Solven is a Fort Lauderdale resident, former Army Ranger and founder of the leadership training organization Conquer Academy. (courtesy, Jeramiah Solven)<\/p>\n
Much of that opportunity lies in vast energy reserves off the west coast of Florida.<\/p>\n
Some Florida lawmakers remain hesitant to embrace offshore energy development due to concerns about military operations or potential harm to Florida\u2019s beaches. However, America\u2019s rigorous environmental standards and regulations \u2014 combined with some of the world\u2019s most advanced and safest offshore exploration technologies \u2014 have already solved environmental concerns.<\/p>\n
Likewise, military exercise concerns have already been addressed as a matter of Department of Defense policy. Florida is home to some of the nation\u2019s 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<\/a> safely for decades. Since the 1970s, oil and natural gas operations in the Gulf of America have operated alongside<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Every offshore lease area undergoes a rigorous federal review<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Throughout history, competition over energy \u2014 often called \u201cresource imperialism\u201d \u2014 has been a primary driver of devastating global conflicts. Japan attacked China<\/a> 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\u2019s subsequent blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, is the most recent reminder that obstructing global supply chains is a common tool of war.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s influence, not only in the U.S. but for nations that would prefer to buy from us instead of a dictatorial, terrorist-supporting country.<\/p>\n The benefits extend beyond geopolitics. A recent Energy and Industrial Advisory Partners analysis found<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Bank robber Willie Sutton famously stated that he robbed banks \u201cbecause that\u2019s where the money is.\u201d Similarly, in the waters off the coast of Florida, that\u2019s where the oil is.<\/p>\n 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\u2019 energy independence, improve our national security and reduce economic threats to us and our allies.<\/p>\n We may be only the 22nd state in terms of landmass<\/a>, but our ability to protect our nation and help eliminate our reliance on adversarial foreign governments is enormous. It\u2019s time for Florida to take its place in leading America\u2019s 21st-century energy future.<\/p>\n