New oil bill file in Florida Senate late last night
Senate Bill 2622 filed late last night. Find it at flsenate.org search sb2622. Allows drilling from beach to 10 mile mark with easements to shore. If it passes senate, house passed similar one last year so likely would go to Gov. Christ's desk and into law July 2010.
Replies
78Beach ComberAuthor
Ms. Coley voed FOR the bill 1219, it included one million application fees not five and it did not guarantee any florida jobs or protect military. Now, after voting for an historic bill last session she is wanting to study the issue while suggesting the district is for it. You cannot profess an interest in protecting our environment and economy and military while voting to put it all at risk. How many times does Col. McClintock at Eglin have to tell our elected officials it will affect his mission? They are just posturing and stalling for time till they vote yes again.
Beach Fanatic
Skunky
Florida Audubon has been on the front lines on this issue, fighting for the good guys (feathered and otherwise) and preserving our coasts. If you want to support Audubon's lobbying efforts, and we will need lobbying, please consider chipping in some financial support. Follow the link! https://loon.audubon.org/payment/donate/FLAUDPOL.html
SWGB
I'm completely amazed that a State Senator who's district (in yellow) is almost nothing but coast line would support this in any way.
Note that the above graphic from the State Senate's website has a notation for SHORELINE!
Note that the above graphic from the State Senate's website has a notation for SHORELINE!
SWGB
In case, for some reason, you are still not convinced this is a bad idea or that "we won't see them". Then check out the link below.
tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Florida Oil Drilling | Tallahassee Democrat
tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Florida Oil Drilling | Tallahassee Democrat
Beach Fanatic
One Republican House Candidate Against Drilling...
State House hopeful Barker comes out against offshore drilling | hopeful, barker, house - News - Northwest Florida Daily News
State House hopeful Barker comes out against offshore drilling | hopeful, barker, house - News - Northwest Florida Daily News
Craig Barker, who is running for the District 4 state House seat, took a bold step Tuesday when he declared his unequivocal opposition to offshore drilling close to Florida’s coast.
Barker, who has resigned as Destin’s mayor to enter the race, separated himself from most local politicians by not hinging his opposition to what local military leaders might say in the future.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Another source for "No Drilling"Efforts
CIVIC Concern: The Push for New Oil Drilling Off Florida's Coast
CIVIC Concern: The Push for New Oil Drilling Off Florida's Coast
The Push for New Oil Drilling Off Florida's Coast
The oil and natural gas industries have mounted a huge push for new oil drilling at both the federal and state levels. Learn about the pros and cons of the issue, what's happening in Congress and the State Legislature, and how you can take action.
If you'd like to be notified when there are important development on this issue or when you can take action, look to the right and sign up in the "get involved" box.
General Info
SoWal Expert
State House hopeful Barker comes out against offshore drilling | hopeful, barker, house - News - Northwest Florida Daily News
Well that's one politician who hasn't been paid off and isn't suffering from cranial-rectal inversion!
SWGB
Well that's one politician who hasn't been paid off and isn't suffering from cranial-rectal inversion!
No, he's he mayor of Destin and understands that drilling would destroy Destin and its economy.
SoWal Expert
No, he's he mayor of Destin and understands that drilling would destroy Destin and its economy.
He resigned as Mayor to run.
Yep, he gets it - which is why he is not suffering from the aforementioned affliction so common to politicos.
SWGB
He resigned as Mayor to run.
Yep, he gets it - which is why he is not suffering from the aforementioned affliction so common to politicos.
Sorry, former Mayor.
Beach Fanatic
Sorry, former Mayor.
Apparently Mr. Barker's resignation was quite recent. The Destin Log reported the city council saying goodbye to him at their March 1 meeting, which was to be his last as mayor.
Skunky
I Emailed Gov. Crist, Sen. Gaetz, and Rep. Coley on Sunday night. Here's the (lighly edited) text of what I sent:
Dear Gov/Sen/Rep Crist/Gaetz/Coley,
My family are your constituents, residing in Santa Rosa Beach, Walton County. We strongly urge you to vote against SB 2622.
It is clear and unquestionable that the economy of the region you represent is heavily dependent on tourism and on investment in real estate and vacation homes.
In that light, it is reckless to risk the livelihoods and property values of your constituents by voting for a bill that will allow oil drilling within three miles of shore. Such a rig would be plainly visible from the beach.
Yes, I've read the text of the bill. I know there will be a publicized meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund before granting leases. Let's be realistic here. We both know that once the "cat is out of the bag", there's no stuffing it back in. And that the Board Meeting is highly unlikely to result in denial of a lease application, just because local citizens oppose.
The time to act is now. This bill is wrong for Walton and Okaloosa Counties, not to mention much of the rest of Florida.
Vote against SB2622.
TreeFrog's name and address in signature line
I got an auto-reply from Crist, the only response I've ever gotten to an EMail to the Gov's office.
No answer so far from Gaetz.
The following just arrived from Rep. Coley:
Thank you for expressing your concerns about oil drilling in Florida's Gulf of Mexico. I really appreciate the input. Last year the Florida House passed legislation that would authorize the governor and cabinet to accept a $5 million non-refundable application fee for a company to explore the oil drilling possibilities; it did not authorize drilling. As you expressed, the asset of the Gulf is one that cannot be compromised. Because energy independence is extremely important, I am diligently studying all facets of the issue. However, I cannot stress enough my commitment to protecting the military mission, the tourism industry, and the environment in the panhandle.
I have actively attempted to educate myself on this issue. I invited Representative Dean Cannon, last year's House sponsor, to the Panhandle to see how important the beaches are to our economy and to learn how important the military presence is to the entire region. We both learned a great deal. This is an emotional issue in District 7 because many of the inland counties support drilling. I want to assure you, however, that I have listened to the concerns of the people that would be most affected by the issues - those living on the coast- and will not support legislation that would harm our tourism base or our military presence.
Representing a district with nine counties requires that I listen to all constituents so no issue is a simple one. Please know that I am committed to be a strong voice for all of District 7.
Sincerely,
Marti Coley
Look familiar? Its deja vu all over again:roll:
Dear 30A Skunkape,
Thank you for expressing your concerns about oil drilling in Florida'sGulf of Mexico. I really appreciate the input. Last year the FloridaHouse passed legislation that would authorize the governor and cabinetto accept a $5 million non-refundable application fee for a company toexplore the oil drilling possibilities; it did not authorize drilling.As you expressed, the asset of the Gulf is one that cannot becompromised. Because energy independence is extremely important, I amdiligently studying all facets of the issue. However, I cannot stressenough my commitment to protecting the military mission, the tourismindustry, and the environment in the panhandle. I have actively attempted to educate myself on this issue. I invitedRepresentative Dean Cannon, last year's House sponsor, to the Panhandleto see how important the beaches are to our economy and to learn howimportant the military presence is to the entire region. We bothlearned a great deal. This is an emotional issue in District 7 becausemany of the inland counties support drilling. I want to assure you,however, that I have listened to the concerns of the people that wouldbe most affected by the issues - those living on the coast- and will notsupport legislation that would harm our tourism base or our militarypresence. Representing a district with nine counties requires that I listen to allconstituents so no issue is a simple one. Please know that I amcommitted to be a strong voice for all of District 7. Sincerely, Marti Coley
Beach Fanatic
The following was apparently posted on the Florida Senate Web site Feb.4 Seems to be directed at drilling in the federal waters off Florida: http://www.flsenate.gov/data/session/2010/Senate/bills/billtext/pdf/s1726.pdf
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Ms. Coley voed FOR the bill 1219, it included one million application fees not five and it did not guarantee any florida jobs or protect military. Now, after voting for an historic bill last session she is wanting to study the issue while suggesting the district is for it. You cannot profess an interest in protecting our environment and economy and military while voting to put it all at risk. How many times does Col. McClintock at Eglin have to tell our elected officials it will affect his mission? They are just posturing and stalling for time till they vote yes again.
That is correct Wp1!!
Beach Fanatic
Skunky, I figured it was a boilerplate reply. My original EMail didn't say anything about "compromising the resource" of the Gulf. You'll note I didn't even bring up whether to drill or not, only the 3 mile limit, which wasn't referenced in the reply. I'm tempted to Email back and ask for a unequivocal clarification on her stance. "A stong voice" doesn't say "against", does it?
Beach Fanatic
The following was apparently posted on the Florida Senate Web site today. Seems to be directed at drilling in the federal waters off Florida: http://www.flsenate.gov/data/session/2010/Senate/bills/billtext/pdf/s1726.pdf
Would it be safe to assume that the text of this was written by Florida Energy Associates, not by the good Senator's staff?
So was this passed?
Beach Fanatic
Would it be safe to assume that the text of this was written by Florida Energy Associates, not by the good Senator's staff?
So was this passed?
Says was introduced to Senate March 2 and sent to some committees. Says no vote history available so I'm assuming not voted on yet.
SoWal Guide
They are all cowards who have sold their souls to finance their perpetual campaigning. Take a stand. Grow a set. However you want to put it, anyone who has a vote on an issue that has such permanent repurcussions and will not tell you straight-up where they stand is behaving like a cockroach running for cover when the lights are flipped on.
wonderful post skunky.
thanks to everyone for keeping us up to date on this issue. your letters are inspiring. it is making me sick but its just too important to sit back and let happen. I think we have an obligation to protect our little part of the planet - and not just for tourism dollars.
is our dependence on foreign oil so tragic that we absolutely must urgently drill on Florida coasts? why aren't we hearing more about this critical reason for drilling in Florida? I hope more is revealed about what is really going on between Big Oil and our so called representatives.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
I am submitting this OP-Ed to the newspapers tomorrow:
Let's see who votes for oil and who votes for Florida
These are fascinating times for us in Florida. We are on the brink of decisions that could forever endanger our clean waters our clean beaches and our valuable tourism based economy.
It is clear members of the Florida Senate and House of Representatives are determined to push this oil legislation through this session or later in the year. The Senate just last week filed Senate Bill 2622, a companion bill to the House version that would allow for drilling from 3 to 10 miles offshore. Florida's House General Policy Council just voted in favor of asking the US Congress to lift the ban on drilling in Federal Waters from 3 to 125 miles offshore. Officials kept saying there would be no movement on the oil initiative this year in order to lull us into a trance. That is why I chose Feb 13 to organize Hands Across The Sand to bring Floridians full attention to this issue.
Interesting how this General Policy Council that recently voted on House Memorial Bill 563 was made up of 95% House Representatives who come from the spine of the state. You would think lawmakers would have the backbone to create a more balanced representation of coastal interests as well. If they are so confident Floridians are whooping it up about oil why would they do that? Talk about stacking the deck, they stacked the deck to open up the door to an industry that could easily, with one spill devastate an entire coastal economy in an instant. The word memorial is fitting because this could truly be a "Memorial" signaling a death knell to our beautiful, pristine coastline and waters.
I hear promises from politicians, I hear promises from oil lobbyists, I hear promises from the Oil Industry. I hear promises from the Ghost of Mr. Chicken but I don't believe any of them. Where were your promises when this oil bill was first written in the House of Representatives and in the recently signed Memorial Bill? All one needs to do is read the not so fine print to see what the boys in El Rancho Petro in Texas want. They are asking for the world; unfettered drilling from 3 miles out to 125 miles.
And I just love the new fangled, slickety smooth TV Ad campaign the energy companies are waging on the American Psyche. Oh boy, you would think they could be the saviors of the American Dream and the givers of jobs, jobs, jobs! And new, safer, "greener" drilling techniques! It's almost comical how the oil and gas industry is doing nothing more than employing a capable bunch of marketing minds to recreate this new "green" image. Not unlike "clean coal", the ultimate oxymoron. Please, don't insult the intelligence of Floridians.
The oil industry is a dirty business, period. All one needs to do is cruise the coastline from Gulf Shores Alabama to the border of Mexico to see how the oil and gas industry conducts it's business in our western gulf of Mexico and the mess is not only in the water. It's no secret there are parts of Texas and Louisiana that are industrial wastelands. There are nearly 4000 oil rigs off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama; of those 4000, 1000 are rusting, useless hulks. They are only using a fraction of the 100,000 oil and gas leases they have and they want more?
Leaks? Oh, they always say there are rarely leaks. Tell that to Grandpa. All one needs to do is a little research to find the level of oil that goes into our Gulf regularly and it is a fact that unintended spills happen often. Listen up Oil and Gas industry: clean up the existing cesspool you created west of Florida's border and then you might be qualified to talk all you want to about your "new, cleaner, greener" ways.
Nicol?s Guti?rrez, Jr, Bush appointee, Member, Board of Directors of the National Association of Cuban Mineral and Petroleum Rights Holders and 9 time Director of the National Association of Sugar Mill owners of Cuba mentioned in a recent op-ed: "For those who say offshore drilling will hurt our tourism industry, I urge you to learn more about the cleaner, safer and less intrusive technologies that can find and extract oil and natural gas without hurting our pristine coastline." Here's a guy who looks out for the oil and sugar industry talking about cleaner and safer technologies. Gimme a break. Your Texas buddies are already pissing in their chili over in Texas, (not my original thought) how can we expect them to take a lot of consideration with our Pristine coastline?
So, The Century Commission drilling report just concluded that all the oil in Florida's waters would power America for only one week. Based on these findings this oil drilling initiative should be dropped now, right? No, not a chance. Our leaders are choosing to ignore this fact. It is clear those Legislators flush with oil Lobby contributions are determined to push this through now no matter what. I guess they are just doing what they got paid to do. Should we be surprised?
Even after thousands of Floridians on 80 beaches statewide joined hands on February 13 against oil, I am afraid our leaders are not listening. Senator's and House Members and Governor Crist? Listen well; oil is on the lips of Floridians and they don't like the taste of it. Listen well; we will never let Florida forget who sold out our beautiful treasured coastline and waterways. We will never forget. Very soon we will see which Senators and House Members vote for oil and which ones vote for Florida. It is as simple a question as this: A vote for Oil or a vote for Florida?
If our leaders choose Oil we may be the last generation of Floridians who remember an unbroken horizon free of oil rigs. We may be the last generation to breath clean air free of choking diesel fuel from increased support traffic from tankers and crew boats. We may be the last generation of Floridians who remember pristine white beaches free of oil from busted pipelines and rigs. No Senators, House Members and Governor Christ we will never forget and I promise, those who vote for oil instead of Florida vote in peril of their political futures in Florida. That's a promise from this generation of Floridians. We are collectively holding our breath. For Florida's sake, choose Florida.
--
Dave Rauschkolb
Founder, Hands Across The Sand
Let's see who votes for oil and who votes for Florida
These are fascinating times for us in Florida. We are on the brink of decisions that could forever endanger our clean waters our clean beaches and our valuable tourism based economy.
It is clear members of the Florida Senate and House of Representatives are determined to push this oil legislation through this session or later in the year. The Senate just last week filed Senate Bill 2622, a companion bill to the House version that would allow for drilling from 3 to 10 miles offshore. Florida's House General Policy Council just voted in favor of asking the US Congress to lift the ban on drilling in Federal Waters from 3 to 125 miles offshore. Officials kept saying there would be no movement on the oil initiative this year in order to lull us into a trance. That is why I chose Feb 13 to organize Hands Across The Sand to bring Floridians full attention to this issue.
Interesting how this General Policy Council that recently voted on House Memorial Bill 563 was made up of 95% House Representatives who come from the spine of the state. You would think lawmakers would have the backbone to create a more balanced representation of coastal interests as well. If they are so confident Floridians are whooping it up about oil why would they do that? Talk about stacking the deck, they stacked the deck to open up the door to an industry that could easily, with one spill devastate an entire coastal economy in an instant. The word memorial is fitting because this could truly be a "Memorial" signaling a death knell to our beautiful, pristine coastline and waters.
I hear promises from politicians, I hear promises from oil lobbyists, I hear promises from the Oil Industry. I hear promises from the Ghost of Mr. Chicken but I don't believe any of them. Where were your promises when this oil bill was first written in the House of Representatives and in the recently signed Memorial Bill? All one needs to do is read the not so fine print to see what the boys in El Rancho Petro in Texas want. They are asking for the world; unfettered drilling from 3 miles out to 125 miles.
And I just love the new fangled, slickety smooth TV Ad campaign the energy companies are waging on the American Psyche. Oh boy, you would think they could be the saviors of the American Dream and the givers of jobs, jobs, jobs! And new, safer, "greener" drilling techniques! It's almost comical how the oil and gas industry is doing nothing more than employing a capable bunch of marketing minds to recreate this new "green" image. Not unlike "clean coal", the ultimate oxymoron. Please, don't insult the intelligence of Floridians.
The oil industry is a dirty business, period. All one needs to do is cruise the coastline from Gulf Shores Alabama to the border of Mexico to see how the oil and gas industry conducts it's business in our western gulf of Mexico and the mess is not only in the water. It's no secret there are parts of Texas and Louisiana that are industrial wastelands. There are nearly 4000 oil rigs off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama; of those 4000, 1000 are rusting, useless hulks. They are only using a fraction of the 100,000 oil and gas leases they have and they want more?
Leaks? Oh, they always say there are rarely leaks. Tell that to Grandpa. All one needs to do is a little research to find the level of oil that goes into our Gulf regularly and it is a fact that unintended spills happen often. Listen up Oil and Gas industry: clean up the existing cesspool you created west of Florida's border and then you might be qualified to talk all you want to about your "new, cleaner, greener" ways.
Nicol?s Guti?rrez, Jr, Bush appointee, Member, Board of Directors of the National Association of Cuban Mineral and Petroleum Rights Holders and 9 time Director of the National Association of Sugar Mill owners of Cuba mentioned in a recent op-ed: "For those who say offshore drilling will hurt our tourism industry, I urge you to learn more about the cleaner, safer and less intrusive technologies that can find and extract oil and natural gas without hurting our pristine coastline." Here's a guy who looks out for the oil and sugar industry talking about cleaner and safer technologies. Gimme a break. Your Texas buddies are already pissing in their chili over in Texas, (not my original thought) how can we expect them to take a lot of consideration with our Pristine coastline?
So, The Century Commission drilling report just concluded that all the oil in Florida's waters would power America for only one week. Based on these findings this oil drilling initiative should be dropped now, right? No, not a chance. Our leaders are choosing to ignore this fact. It is clear those Legislators flush with oil Lobby contributions are determined to push this through now no matter what. I guess they are just doing what they got paid to do. Should we be surprised?
Even after thousands of Floridians on 80 beaches statewide joined hands on February 13 against oil, I am afraid our leaders are not listening. Senator's and House Members and Governor Crist? Listen well; oil is on the lips of Floridians and they don't like the taste of it. Listen well; we will never let Florida forget who sold out our beautiful treasured coastline and waterways. We will never forget. Very soon we will see which Senators and House Members vote for oil and which ones vote for Florida. It is as simple a question as this: A vote for Oil or a vote for Florida?
If our leaders choose Oil we may be the last generation of Floridians who remember an unbroken horizon free of oil rigs. We may be the last generation to breath clean air free of choking diesel fuel from increased support traffic from tankers and crew boats. We may be the last generation of Floridians who remember pristine white beaches free of oil from busted pipelines and rigs. No Senators, House Members and Governor Christ we will never forget and I promise, those who vote for oil instead of Florida vote in peril of their political futures in Florida. That's a promise from this generation of Floridians. We are collectively holding our breath. For Florida's sake, choose Florida.
--
Dave Rauschkolb
Founder, Hands Across The Sand
SWGB
Well I tried hard to find the article at WJHG - Home based on their report regarding Tyndall AFB.
Apparently the F-22 program is leaving and will result in 800+ jobs lost. Sen. Bill Nelson is trying feverishly to bring the remainder of the F-35 training program to Tyndall to offset this since Eglin didn't get the full compliment of jets. Currently Tyndall is on the short list and one of the things they have going for them is the training field (Gulf of Mexico) available to them.
It was never stated, but if this drilling bill passes Tyndall will most likely lose this replacement. This needs to be hammered home to the idiot representatives in that district that are trying to justify voting for this bill.
Apparently the F-22 program is leaving and will result in 800+ jobs lost. Sen. Bill Nelson is trying feverishly to bring the remainder of the F-35 training program to Tyndall to offset this since Eglin didn't get the full compliment of jets. Currently Tyndall is on the short list and one of the things they have going for them is the training field (Gulf of Mexico) available to them.
It was never stated, but if this drilling bill passes Tyndall will most likely lose this replacement. This needs to be hammered home to the idiot representatives in that district that are trying to justify voting for this bill.
Beach Fanatic
Well I tried hard to find the article at WJHG - Home based on their report regarding Tyndall AFB.
Apparently the F-22 program is leaving and will result in 800+ jobs lost. Sen. Bill Nelson is trying feverishly to bring the remainder of the F-35 training program to Tyndall to offset this since Eglin didn't get the full compliment of jets. Currently Tyndall is on the short list and one of the things they have going for them is the training field (Gulf of Mexico) available to them.
It was never stated, but if this drilling bill passes Tyndall will most likely lose this replacement. This needs to be hammered home to the idiot representatives in that district that are trying to justify voting for this bill.
Not sure if this is the one you were looking for or not.
Local business leaders attack new offshore drilling legislation
Or this one:
http://www.panhandleparade.com/index.php/mbb/article/f-15_draw_down_is_set/mbb7721640/
Edited
SWGB
Not sure if this is the one you were looking for or not.
Local business leaders attack new offshore drilling legislation
Or this one:
wmbb.com - F-15 Draw Down Start Date is Set
The second one was what I was referencing. I can't watch WMBB it's horrible.
Beach Fanatic
Compelling info on jobs and drilling
Sue Gross: Promise of drilling jobs is an empty one | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat
Sue Gross: Promise of drilling jobs is an empty one | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat
A sobering prediction for Florida to consider: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in the oil and gas extraction industry will decline in less than a decade. And its statistics contradict the oil lobby's job creation estimates for Florida. In 2008, the total number of "extraction workers," the people directly employed on rigs, was only 20,900. Oil proponents would have us believe that drilling off our coast will magically double the total number of rig jobs in the entire United States?
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Near Shore Drilling Bill off the table! Our line in the sand made a difference!
Thanks to all who helped create an uncomfortable climate for any politician to vote for Big Oil in Florida this year.
Sponsor drops Fla. offshore drilling plan for now
By BILL KACZOR
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.
The House sponsor of legislation that would lift a ban on offshore drilling in Florida's state waters said Friday he was dropping the effort for this year but would try again in 2011.
Rep. Dean Cannon made the announcement as a committee he chairs began reviewing a draft that had yet to be filed with just two weeks left in the 60-day legislative session.
It would have allowed drilling rigs as close as three miles from shore on a temporary basis. Permanent rigs or platforms would have had to stay at least six miles away.
"It is not the right time to vote on this issue," said the Winter Park Republican. "This is a bicameral process and I haven't seen any evidence that would suggest that our counterparts in the Senate have an appetite for this issue this year."
Instead, he plans to use the draft as a starting point next year when he'll preside over the House as speaker if Republicans retain their majority as expected.
He'll also have a powerful partner. Sen. Mike Haridopolos, an Indialantic Republican who has been leading the push for offshore oil and natural gas drilling in the other chamber, has been designated as Senate president for 2011-12.
Haridopolos would replace Senate President Jeff Atwater, a North Palm Beach Republican who is leaving the Legislature to run for chief financial officer.
Cannon's draft bill would allow drilling in state waters that extend about 10 miles into the Gulf of Mexico and some three miles into the Atlantic Ocean.
It would not affect federal waters farther from shore. President Barack Obama recently announced plans to lift drilling barriers there. He wants to open up the Atlantic from Delaware to central Florida and plans to ask Congress to repeal a ban on drilling in the gulf within 125 miles of Florida's beaches.
Cannon sponsored a similar bill that passed in the House late in last year's session. Atwater was cool to the idea and it was not taken up in the Senate.
The Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning agreed to send a report on the issue to Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, that he can forward to his successor -- Cannon.
The panel first took public testimony, again hearing the usual arguments.
Proponents said drilling can be done safely to help reduce dependence on foreign oil while providing the state with a new source of revenue.
Opponents said it still wasn't worth the risk to Florida's environment and tourism industry nor would it provide the state with a significant boost to either its economy or treasury.
Jay Liles, representing the Florida Wildlife Federation and Apalachicola Riverkeeper, said Florida instead should do more to promote renewable energy.
"This bill will rely on false promises of energy independence based on hope-for bonanzas," Liles said. "If we can create more jobs, if we can grow a stronger economy by supporting renewable energy in a stronger fashion could we not forgo or at least stall the decision to go into our natural resources by drilling near shore?"
Florida Petroleum Council executive director Dave Mica spoke in favor of the bill. Mica acknowledged drilling in state waters was not the answer to energy independence or full employment but he argued it was part of the equation.
He credited the Legislature's examination of the issue with persuading many Floridians to drop their long-standing opposition to drilling.
"We've won an awful lot of brains by this discussion," Mica said. "We've still got some hearts to go."
Thanks to all who helped create an uncomfortable climate for any politician to vote for Big Oil in Florida this year.
Sponsor drops Fla. offshore drilling plan for now
By BILL KACZOR
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.
The House sponsor of legislation that would lift a ban on offshore drilling in Florida's state waters said Friday he was dropping the effort for this year but would try again in 2011.
Rep. Dean Cannon made the announcement as a committee he chairs began reviewing a draft that had yet to be filed with just two weeks left in the 60-day legislative session.
It would have allowed drilling rigs as close as three miles from shore on a temporary basis. Permanent rigs or platforms would have had to stay at least six miles away.
"It is not the right time to vote on this issue," said the Winter Park Republican. "This is a bicameral process and I haven't seen any evidence that would suggest that our counterparts in the Senate have an appetite for this issue this year."
Instead, he plans to use the draft as a starting point next year when he'll preside over the House as speaker if Republicans retain their majority as expected.
He'll also have a powerful partner. Sen. Mike Haridopolos, an Indialantic Republican who has been leading the push for offshore oil and natural gas drilling in the other chamber, has been designated as Senate president for 2011-12.
Haridopolos would replace Senate President Jeff Atwater, a North Palm Beach Republican who is leaving the Legislature to run for chief financial officer.
Cannon's draft bill would allow drilling in state waters that extend about 10 miles into the Gulf of Mexico and some three miles into the Atlantic Ocean.
It would not affect federal waters farther from shore. President Barack Obama recently announced plans to lift drilling barriers there. He wants to open up the Atlantic from Delaware to central Florida and plans to ask Congress to repeal a ban on drilling in the gulf within 125 miles of Florida's beaches.
Cannon sponsored a similar bill that passed in the House late in last year's session. Atwater was cool to the idea and it was not taken up in the Senate.
The Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning agreed to send a report on the issue to Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, that he can forward to his successor -- Cannon.
The panel first took public testimony, again hearing the usual arguments.
Proponents said drilling can be done safely to help reduce dependence on foreign oil while providing the state with a new source of revenue.
Opponents said it still wasn't worth the risk to Florida's environment and tourism industry nor would it provide the state with a significant boost to either its economy or treasury.
Jay Liles, representing the Florida Wildlife Federation and Apalachicola Riverkeeper, said Florida instead should do more to promote renewable energy.
"This bill will rely on false promises of energy independence based on hope-for bonanzas," Liles said. "If we can create more jobs, if we can grow a stronger economy by supporting renewable energy in a stronger fashion could we not forgo or at least stall the decision to go into our natural resources by drilling near shore?"
Florida Petroleum Council executive director Dave Mica spoke in favor of the bill. Mica acknowledged drilling in state waters was not the answer to energy independence or full employment but he argued it was part of the equation.
He credited the Legislature's examination of the issue with persuading many Floridians to drop their long-standing opposition to drilling.
"We've won an awful lot of brains by this discussion," Mica said. "We've still got some hearts to go."
Edited
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