Bill that would pre-empt regulation of fracking moving forward in Senate

This week, the Senate has moved ahead with a controversial bill that would prevent municipalities in Florida from banning fracking. Called SB 318 Regulation of Oil and Gas Resources, the bill is scheduled for a hearing at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25 before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Should it pass, not only will counties not be permitted to ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing in their communities – any bans currently in place would be nullified. 

Activists who fear that fracking could poison Florida’s water and compromise the fragile limestone bedrock (which is already prone to sinkholes without the threat of fracking) are urging citizens to contact the following senators to let them know how they feel about the bill: 

Sen. Jack Latvala 888-498-2945 latvala.jack.web@flsenate.gov
Sen. Thad Altman: 877-796-1948 altman.thad.web@flsenate.gov
Sen. Rene Garcia: 888-793-4597 garcia.rene.web@flsenate.gov
Sen. David Simmons: 877-434-0011 simmons.david.web@flsenate.gov
Sen. Tom Lee : 866-583-2908 lee.tom.web@flsenate.gov

Today, the New York Times actually took note of Florida’s fracking debate, calling it an “unlikely battle that is picking up steam across the state.” 

This article appears in Feb 17-23, 2016.