Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorAugust 17, 2015

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter formally established the U.S. Department of Energy, with (among other things) the goal of making America energy independent. The idea was that there’s an undeniable connection between our energy security and our national security. We’ve pursued that laudable goal in a variety of ways: the development of traditional fossil fuels, […]

Staff ReportsJune 19, 2015

AARP is asking the state Supreme Court to stop Florida Power & Light Inc. from investing in speculative natural gas production in Oklahoma, and to direct the state Public Service Commission to reconsider its approval for the plan. “For the first time, Florida utility regulators have required our state’s consumers to pay millions, in advance, for an […]

Daniel TilsonJune 18, 2015

Hey, you! Yeah, you, the one who didn’t vote in 2014. If you gag when you see your electric bill, wonder why the Sunshine State barely uses solar power, or frown at the idea of unidentified toxic chemicals being pumped into the ground under you… Well hey, this is a story about why voting really […]

Bruce RitchieMay 1, 2015

Another legislative session dubbed the “year of water” failed to deliver in 2015 as the House went home early over a health care spending dispute with the Senate. HB 7003, a water bill that was a legislative priority of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, passed the House by a 106-9 vote on the second day of […]

Guest AuthorApril 27, 2015

The onshore oil and gas industry has been under heavy scrutiny during the 2015 legislative session, as Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, and Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, have filed legislation to provide regulatory certainty to the state of Florida that will ensure this industry is appropriately regulated. This legislation, Senate Bill 1468 and House Bill 1205, […]

Peter SchorschApril 23, 2015

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We knew from the first day of Session that bills sponsored by Democrats that would impose a moratorium on “fracking” were DOA. But, Sen. Garrett Richter and Rep. Ray Rodrigues, along with the DEP, have developed common-sense legislation that strengthens regulations on the oil and gas industry. Let me repeat that, they want to REGULATE the […]

Bruce RitchieApril 2, 2015

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As lobbyist Stephanie Kunkel, representing the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Clean Water Action, approached the podium on Tuesday to speak on a Senate oil and gas fracking bill, there was a murmur through the committee room packed with fracking opponents. “Sellout,” one man muttered before Kunkel started speaking. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and […]

James CallMarch 31, 2015

This day at the state Capitol lawmakers continue to clear their desks of items before getting down to serious budget work. They dealt with the contentious issues of marijuana, abortion and fracking before having to deal with the $4.2 billion of really contentious differences in the spending plans they are developing. • • • Sen. Garrett […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 31, 2015

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Bills dealing with oil and gas hydraulic fracturing in Florida passed their first Senate committee stop on Tuesday after a state environmental official said they would provide needed regulation for the industry. SB 1468 by Sen. Garrett Richter, a Republican from Naples, requires the state to develop rules for permitting “high-pressure well-stimulation,” which includes hydraulic […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 30, 2015

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An amendment filed Monday — and later withdrawn — by the chairman of a Senate committee would have placed a ban on state permits for oil and gas fracking until a study of the practice can be completed in 2016. SB 1468 by Sen. Garrett Richter, a Republican from Bradenton, requires the state to develop […]

Tag: fracking

Sal Nuzzo: Energy Security, Economic Security, National Security

AARP Florida calls to overturn FPL approval for natural gas speculation in Oklahoma

Daniel Tilson: Rick Scott's Public Service Commission: "Frack you, Florida!"

“Year of water” failed along with most environmental bills

Brewster Bevis: Ignore 'fracking' charge; support commonsense oil & gas regulations

Democrats whip votes AGAINST more regs on the oil and gas industry

Enviro groups that support fracking bills thread the needle

The day that was in Florida politics — March 31

Fracking bills pass Senate committee with DEP support

Senate committee chair seeks to ban fracking during study