YOUR OPINION: There Are Multiple Reasons Why Fracking Is Dangerous For Florida
By Joan Davis // February 22, 2016
bill is currently in its final Committee
There is a huge outcry across Florida from citizens, environmental groups and health care professionals opposing Senate Bill 318 – Oil & Gas Regulation (known as the very bad PRO-FRACKING BILL).
The bill is currently in its final Committee – Appropriations, where it is temporarily being held up by Committee Chair, Tom Lee (866-583-2908 or 850-487-5024), who could choose to kill the bill. He has called for FDEP to appear before the Committee with recommendations.
The bill tasks FDEP with oversight of oil and gas fracking statewide. With FDEP understaffed and public trust at a low point, this is just one of many serious concerns.
There are multiple reasons why increased fracking is dangerous for Florida. Because of the unique nature of Florida’s geology and our fragile aquifer, fracking should be prohibited statewide.
Other states have reported widespread poisoned water, polluted air and significant increases in health problems as a result of fracking.
There are over 74 Florida counties and cities that have banned fracking but, SB 318 negates HOME RULE and would preempt those bans!
Another major issue is mineral rights. Most all Floridians do not own the mineral rights beneath their land. Reportedly, decades ago, the oil and gas industry bought up most of the mineral rights in Florida for just such a time as now.
Senator Thad Altman of Brevard County (850-487-5016) sits on the Appropriations Committee and is an important swing vote. He must be persuaded to vote no on SB 318. To do otherwise would be a sell- out of Florida to BIG OIL.
CLICK HERE to contact other Appropriations Committee Senators
– Joan Davis • Palm Bay, Florida
