President Obama's announcement this morning that he would allow offshore oil and natural gas drilling in much of the East Coast didn't sit well with Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Fla.

"Exploring domestic supplies of oil and natural gas is critical, but the cost for error in Florida is greater than it is for our neighbors," Meek said in a statement. The Miami native added that the state's economy depends on its tourism, fishing and beaches. "The damage potential to Florida, a hurricane-prone state, of offshore oil drilling could be immeasurable," he said. "Today's announcement on energy security and independence requires serious consideration and study as questions remain unanswered, but caution must trump expediency."

Sen. Bill Nelson (D), who also hails from Miami, was more optimistic. He said earlier today that he was satisfied Interior Secretary Ken Salazar had taken his concerns into account.

The senator's apparent complicity in the president's proposal has inflamed some environmental groups, who regard offshore drilling as "dirty and dangerous."

Nelson's "acceptance of expanded drilling is particularly regrettable," said Adam Rivera of Environment Florida.

"Of all elected leaders, [he] should know that chronic pollution and oil spills obey no boundaries," Rivera said. "There can be no politically determined border that safeguards Florida's $65 billion-a-year coastal economy -- or the sensitive military operations that rightfully concern Senator Nelson."

For the most part, however, Florida lawmakers have expressed skepticism of the president's pledge to balance oil exploration and drilling against the "need to protect America's natural resources."

"Drilling for oil off of Florida's west coast beaches would be a serious threat to Florida's economy and jobs," said Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor, who represents the Tampa-St. Petersburg area. "Our long-term economic health is dependent on clean beaches and clean water."

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