Nevertheless, in apparent response to the Department of Interior's plans, Florida Sen. Ashley Moody has introduced a bill, the American Shore Protection Act, that will codify an existing drilling moratorium protecting the Eastern Gulf and coastal waters off the Florida, Georgia and South Carolina coastlines until 2032.

Professional golfer Phil Mickelson endorsed Steve Hilton's gubernatorial campaign after the GOP candidate outlined plans to lower California gas prices through local drilling.

The Green Connection and Natural Justice say the court bid exposed serious flaws in how environmental and social risks are evaluated for the project.