Florida to Ban Fracking?

Swamp Stomp

Volume 17, Issue 13

A bill that would stop oil and gas fracking from occurring in Florida was passed and moved along in the process by the Florida Senate.

The Senate Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation voted unanimously to prohibit “advanced well stimulation treatment,” like hydraulic fracturing, acid fracturing and matrix acidizing.

State Sen. Dana Young (R) sponsored the bill, S.B. 442.  Last year she opposed the banning but, after her Senate district was redrawn, she changed her stance.

When questioned about her change of heart, Young said, “Florida is unique. Florida is special, and we do not have to be like every other state in the nation.”

Some who oppose the bill are Exxon Mobil Corporation, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the James Madison Institute, the Heartland Institute of Washington, D.C., the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Petroleum Council.

According to Florida Petroleum Council President David Mica, as a state, Florida uses 27 million gallons of gasoline every day.  This makes Florida the third-largest consumer in the nation.

“We have a shared interest in our industry to protect energy resources,” Mica said.

In response to Mica’s concerns, Young responded that the bill does not prohibit traditional oil and gas exploration.

“There may be some uncertainty, but the question is are you willing to roll the dice with the future of our state?” Young asked.

Do you think Florida should pass the bill?  Why or why not?

Source: “Bill to Ban Fracking Advances through Senate.” Greenwire. E&E News, 08 Mar. 2017. Web. 08 Mar. 2017.

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