Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannFebruary 28, 2016

It looks like there’s one more chance this year for the Legislature to decide whether to sensibly regulate hydraulic fracturing in Florida and it will happen Tuesday at the Senate Committee on Appropriations. For those who view the failure of these bills as some kind of victory, you’re fooling yourselves. A “no” vote on Senate […]

Ryan RayFebruary 25, 2016

George Gainer blasted the Legislature and his Senate District 1 opponent Rep. Matt Gaetz in an email appeal to supporters on Thursday, contending a pair of measures considered this year amount to a “power grab” by state government. Gainer, a Republican and longtime Bay County Commissioner, said bills on so-called “fracking” and local taxes aim at “stripping authority […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 25, 2016

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A bill to regulate fracking in Florida is on life support after a Senate panel voted to reject the controversial proposal. The Senate Appropriations Committee narrowly rejected the proposal (SB 318). However, lawmakers used a parliamentary maneuver — in this case, a motion to reconsider — to keep the proposal, sponsored by Sen. Garrett Richter, […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 24, 2016

The Florida House passed a wide sweeping economic incentives package (HB 1325) on Wednesday. The proposal includes the framework for Gov. Rick Scott’s proposed $250 million Florida Enterprise Fund. Chris Hudson, state director for Americans for Prosperity-Florida, said in a statement: “I want to start by commending the members of the Florida House that stood […]

Scott PowersFebruary 9, 2016

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The Seminole County Commission approved an anti-fracking ordinance Tuesday as it denounced the hydraulic fracturing oil and gas drilling technology and the Legislature for taking up bills that would restrict local decisions about it. The all-Republican commission (in a nonpartisan county) voted unanimously on an ordinance that bans “any oil and gas exploration that uses […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 4, 2016

First and foremost, I have serious concerns about fracking, especially in Florida. However, there are many misconceptions about HB 191 and what it actually does. It does not authorize fracking as the practice is currently allowed in Florida. Under current law it’s unregulated. This bill places serious restrictions on fracking in the state, including a […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 29, 2016

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(updated)People opposed to legislation that would permit hydraulic fracking in Florida are gearing up for protest rallies during the next few days. Events were scheduled this past Saturday in Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee, Inverness, and Gainesville. There will be a rally in Hillsborough County later on Monday – it will take place at 5:30 p.m. at […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 27, 2016

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The state House passed a controversial measure to regulate fracking, despite significant opposition from Democrats who said the practice could harm the state’s natural resources. The House voted 73-45 after more than an hour of passionate debate to approve the bill (HB 191), with just a few Republicans joining Democrats in opposing it. “Yesterday, over […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 27, 2016

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The Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties have withdrawn their opposition to a bill prohibiting local governments from banning hydraulic fracturing. Rebecca O’Hara, a lobbyist with the Florida League of Cities, said the decision to drop its opposition came after working with sponsors of the bill (HB 191/SB 318) to reach […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 26, 2016

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The Republican-led state House rejected more than a dozen amendments — all of which were sponsored by House Democrats — to a proposal aimed at regulating hydraulic fracturing. House Democrats put forth at least 20 amendments to the bill (HB 191). The changes included requiring drillers to submit water to the Department of Environmental every […]

Tag: fracking

Greg Preble: Legislators should approve bill that regulates fracking

Email Insights: George Gainer decries “Tallahassee power grab” in 2016 Session

Senate panel rejects proposal to regulate fracking in Florida

Capitol Reax: Economic incentives, insurance, fracking, Israel and judicial term limits

Seminole County OKs anti-fracking ordinance, criticizes Tallahassee

Danny Burgess: The truth about HB 191

Anti-fracking rallies to take place across state this weekend

House approves controversial fracking bill, despite opposition from Democrats

Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities drop opposition to fracking bill

House Republicans reject amendments to fracking bill sponsored by Democrats