Dems in Legislature Urge Crist to Call Special Session on Oil Spill

Democrats in the Legislature are going all out to urge Gov. Charlie Crist to hold a special session this summer to deal with the BP oil spill.

Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, and Rep. Rick Kriseman, R-St. Petersburg, sent a letter to the governor Tuesday urging him to convene the Legislature. Both Gelber, a candidate for attorney general, and Fitzgerald are considered possibilities to be picked by CFO Alex Sink, the leading Democratic gubernatorial candidate, as a running mate.

House Minority Leader Franklin Sands of Weston quickly chimed in, backing the special session.

Floridas fragile coastline, our beautiful beaches and the livelihoods of many Floridians are in imminent peril due to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, said Sands. Floridas economy, key industries and the livelihood of many people are at grave risk. The people are demanding action from their government. It is prudent that the Legislature move rapidly and provide urgent assistance.

I believe the current crisis highlights our states need for a modern energy policy that focuses on renewable energy sources, such as solar power and biomass, said Sands. "But as the other representatives have noted, the first order of business is to provide needed assistance for victims of the oil spill, and actions to ensure that our state and local governments are adequately prepared to respond to the ongoing crisis. We also must move rapidly to put on the November ballot a constitutional ban on drilling in state waters.