State Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, the incoming Senate President, has filed Senate Bill 2622 Regulation of State Lands and Oil Gas Resources as the opening salvo in what looks like a protracted discussion in both the Florida House and Senate during the current session.
The bill provides for the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to accept and award bids for oil and gas leases on submerged lands underlying the territorial waters of the State, it also provides for easaements over soverign submerged lands for the construction, installation and maintenance of structures relating to the prduction of oil gas or other petroleum products.
The bill is similar in nature to a bill that failed to pass the Senate last year.
While Haridpolos was not available for comment on Monday, Eric Draper, Executive Director of the Florida Audobon Society said his organization surprised that the bill was filed. Drapersaid that the fact that it was virtually the same bill that failed last year demonstrates that it shouldnt be logically supported. Dean Cannon, (R) Winter Park and incoming Speaker of the House of Representatives, introduced the initial bill last year. Monday he Chaired the Select Policy Council on Strategic and Economic Planning a workshop on energy exploration in State waters. My main concern is the protective view from the coast, Cannon said. Properly defined I feeel oil and gas can be harvested in a safe and efficient manner from off the coast of Florida. The Committee heard from Judith Roos, a Vice President for Marine Spill Response Corporation who assured the Representatives that her company has been extremely proactive in responding to cleanup efforts resulting from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Gustav. Also speaking at the meeting was George Schmahl Superintendent of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary who said studies dating back to the 1970s have indicated no damage to the marine life in or near the gas platforms.
