TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Fal-la-la-la-fracking?
The governor had some carolers outside his office door Wednesday morning. The group, not singing Christmas classics, but were caroling to keep fracking out of Florida. Members are saying the technique poses an environmental threat to the state’s already-stressed water supply.
“Fracking is dirty and dangerous,” said Ray Seaman, with Progress Florida. “It poses a very real threat to every Floridian’s water— from the water we drink to our forests and wildlife.”
DeSantis has said he opposes fracking, which uses pressurized liquid to drill for oil and gas. The “frack-tivists,” however, calling out the Republican for not making progress on the topic since taking office. They urged him to advocate anti-fracking legislation in the upcoming session, delivering 20,000 signatures supporting a ban.
Senate Bill 200 has bipartisan support, getting through one committee already. Its sponsor, Sen. Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee), was hopeful 2020 would be the year to get the policy through after years of talk.
“I’m confident we’ll get it passed this year,” he said. “It’ll be good for Florida, good for the environment and, most importantly, good for the future.”
There was initial support for the policy, last year, too. It quickly dwindled, dying in committee. Critics calling the bill an unneeded policy, trying to stop a safe practice that isn’t even used in the state. Fracking advocates saying the technique ups energy production and cuts consumer costs.
DeSantis’ voice might prevent a similar fate for this new bill. Though he has yet to weigh in. Calls for comment weren't immediately returned.
