Amid calls for more oil and gas drilling, a Democratic senator in Florida said he was “beating back” pressure for exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. Industry groups like the American Petroleum Institute have praised executive orders from President Donald Trump that favor the oil and gas industry. With changes in Washington, Kevin Doyle, the Florida director of the Consumer Energy Alliance, said in a message sent to UPI that he called on state leaders to evaluate the potential for oil and gas exploration in the waters off the western coast of Florida. By Doyle’s estimates, state coffers could be bolstered for the benefit of Florida residents struggling with medical bills and dwindling pensions. “A strong and growing constituency in Florida supports […]