The Senate Appropriations Committee narrowly defeated a bill Thursday that would set regulations for fracking, a method of oil and gas drilling that environmentalists have opposed over fears it could contaminate drinking water and make people ill. Appropriations chairman Sen. Tom Lee said the bill could be reconsidered when the committee meets again next week, but would only be voted on if changes are made that would likely result in an affirmative vote.
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“At some point, we have to address the number of hours that students go to school and/or the number of days”, said Montford, who nevertheless voted for the bill.
The bill’s counterpart, HB 191, already passed out of the Florida House.
“It won’t be done in a week, but it will be done as soon as humanly possible”, said the bill’s sponsor Sen. “I want science driving the issue”. “I still believe this is a good bill”.
Opponents of the bill said that computer coding and foreign languages should not be considered one in the same. “Until I get comfortable on that issue I’m a “no” on the bill”.
Richter said his bill would finally give DEP the authority to stop a company from fracking. The current controversy began in 2014 after Collier County officials raised concerns about a Texas oil company’s use of fracking near a panther habitat.
“The state can not have 410 standards out there”, Richter said. The bill would increase the maximum number of charter schools allowed in Florida.
The bill approved by the House does not specify a level of funding, but it would revamp the process of awarding incentives.
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Richter’s bill calls for a moratorium on fracking until the study is completed and rules are adopted.
