Haridopolos Concerned About Chinese Oil-Drilling Off Cuba

Sen. President Mike Haridopolos pushed off to his successor at least for now -- talk of reopening the waters off Floridas coasts to oil exploration.

But he cautioned that the state and nation need to keep an eye on Chinese oil-drilling off Cuba.

The concern I do have off the island of Cuba -- the Chinese are in the process of putting rigs there, with the support of the Cuban people, at least the Cuban government, Haridopolos told reporters during a sit-down with the media Thursday in the presidents conference room.

My guess is they (Cuba and China) probably dont have the same environmental standards we do.

As for reopening discussion on allowing drilling off Floridas shoreline, Haridopolos said until investigations are completed on last years Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico, that isnt going to be part of Floridas all energy solution.

Speaker (Dean) Cannon and myself have said until we find out all the information of what has happened in Louisiana, its not going to be on our watch, Haridopolos said.

That could leave such talk of opening oil exploration in waters within 10 miles of Floridas coast to the House Speaker-designate Will Weatherford and Senate President-designate Don Gaetz.

Haridopolos noted he has adopted Cannons term all energy solution, which means considering everything from biofuels and solar to wind turbines and natural gas.

How do we get more options in Florida and become less dependent on foreign sources of energy. Haridopolos said.

He maintained his support for drilling in areas of the Gulf that are currently open for exploration.