September 25, 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, applauding Senator Garrett Richter (R-Naples) and Representative Ray Rodrigues (R-Estero) for refiling legislation for the 2016 Legislative Session that would allow the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to better govern the onshore oil and gas industry.

“The onshore oil and gas industry has been safely and responsibly producing energy in the State of Florida since 1943; and, this industry boosts our economy by infusing jobs and revenue into local communities.  But given advances in technology, legislative change is warranted so this responsible industry may continue to grow and contribute to Florida’s bottom line.

“We applaud Senator Richter and Representative Rodrigues for refiling legislation – which nearly passed last year, but did not due to the early adjournment of session – to better govern and regulate the onshore oil and gas industry.  This critical legislation will ensure that onshore oil and gas interests are permitted to continue their search for, and production of, oil and gas while carefully protecting Florida’s environment, specifically our groundwater resources and water supply.

“The stronger and smarter regulations that have been proposed by Senator Richter and Representative Rodrigues in Senate Bill 318 and House Bill 191 include requiring a permit for the use of high-pressure well stimulation techniques; clarifying that until a time that DEP adopts new rules and regulations to better govern the industry, there will be a moratorium on all high-pressure well stimulation techniques; and, ensuring the disclosure of all chemicals to FracFocus by DEP, so we know precisely what chemicals are being introduced into Florida’s environment, along with many more good provisions.

“AIF looks forward to supporting this good legislation during the 2016 Legislative Session that will bring positive governance to the oil and gas industry.”

 

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

 

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