SB 532-Relating to Public Notification of Pollution
On Tuesday, March 7th, SB 532, relating to Public Notification of Pollution, by Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) was heard in the Senate Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation and passed by a vote of 5 yeas to 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.

This bill will require companies to notify the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) about the release of any dangerous substance within 24 hours of discovery, and DEP must then publish a public notice within 24 hours.

SB 532 will now go to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and Natural Resources to be heard.

AIF SUPPORTS the FDEP's role as the recipient of notifications regarding incidents from the regulated business community do to their experience, expertise, and ability to determine potential impacts from any reported incidents.

SB 442-Relating to Advanced Well Stimulation Treatments
On Tuesday, March 7th, SB 442, relating to Advanced Well Stimulation Treatments, by Senator Dana Young (R-Tampa) was heard by the Senate Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation and passed by a vote of 5 yeas to 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs stood in opposition to this bill.

This bill prohibits the performance of advanced well stimulation treatments on oil or gas wells. The bill defines the term “advanced well stimulation treatment” to include all stages of well intervention performed by injecting fluids into a rock formation.

SB 442 will now go to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and Natural Resources to be heard.

AIF OPPOSES the prohibition of advanced well stimulation treatments as it could cause a deficit when it comes to meeting the energy needs of the State.