Concerned by the health and environmental risks fracking poses to the state of Florida, State Senators Darren Soto (D-Orlando) and Dwight Bullard (D-Miami) on Monday filed legislation to prohibit hydraulic fracturing in the Sunshine State. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily)
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Concerned by the health and environmental risks fracking poses to the state of Florida, State Senators Darren Soto (D-Orlando) and Dwight Bullard (D-Miami) on Monday filed legislation to prohibit hydraulic fracturing in the Sunshine State.
The bill will ban any entities from engaging in hydraulic fracturing, performing well stimulation treatments, and disposing of related materials and byproducts.
“For over a year now we have been advocating to ban fracking in Florida to protect our quality of life, our environment, and our robust tourism industry,” said Sen. Soto.
“I am proud to sponsor this fracking ban legislation again to continue the fight on behalf of all Floridians.”
Sen. Dwight Bullard
“In a day and time when water conservation is at the forefront of discussions both internationally and here at home, Floridians cannot afford to put our water at risk through unproven drilling practices,” said Senator Bullard.
That’s why I’m proud to stand with Sen. Soto and support the ban on fracking.”
Eric Rollings
“The Soto/Bullard ‘Ban Fracking Bill’ offers the most significant protection for our water, our quality of life and Florida’s economic and environmental future. We need to stand behind this bill and make it law!” urged Eric Rollings, Chair of the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District.
The upper and lower Floridian Aquifers span the State of Florida and supply the vast majority of its water supply.
Any contamination to these bodies of water could put the entire source in jeopardy.
The legislation has been filed for the 2016 legislative session which begins in January.
