April 14, 2015

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today released the following statement attributable to its Senior Vice President of State & Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, thanking lawmakers on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government for passing Senate Bill 1468, relating to the regulation of onshore oil and gas resources.

“This legislation by Senator Richter is essential to providing the certainty needed for the onshore oil and gas industry to continue to grow and be successful in the Sunshine State.  SB 1468, if adopted by the legislature this session, would not only provide a clear regulatory framework that will govern all oil and gas activities in the state, including adding an additional layer of oversight to newer workover procedures, it will also ensure the environment is protected.

“The onshore oil and gas industry has been operating in Florida since 1943 and in that time has provided needed jobs to Floridians and contributed capital to Florida’s economy; and with the fair passage of this legislation, the industry can look forward to continuing that terrific track record and positively impacting Florida’s economy.

“With that said, AIF is concerned with the study that has been amended onto the bill and will work with members to resolve our concerns, as we feel this could be a deterrent to current and future businesses interested in bringing jobs and capital to our state through oil production activities.”

For more information on AIF, please visit AIF.com and follow @VoiceofFLBiz.

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