Florida Accountability Group Raises More Red Flags Over Pipeline Deal

Floridians for Government Accountability added its voice on Thursday to the concerns over a proposed sale of a natural-gas pipeline that serves the state.

Chairman James Hart said his group is "closely monitoring" negotiations by two rival companies to acquire Southern Union, which owns the Florida Gas Transmission pipeline.

Sunshine State News reported last week that the Williams Cos. and Energy Transfer Equity are vying to buy the pipeline. Industry observers say a Williams purchase could run afoul of antitrust laws.

"Of special concern to Floridians is the ugly prospect of monopoly ownership of the pipelines bringing natural gas into our state. One of the companies bidding to acquire Southern Union also owns the other pipeline that supplies Central Florida with natural gas. Should a single company own both pipelines, the specter of monopolistic practices could lead to rising energy costs for our state," Hart said.

Hart's comments come on the heels of state Sen. Mike Fasano's appeal to Gov. Rick Scott to initiate immediate action and inquiry, in conjunction with federal regulators, to prevent a "monopolistic outcome."