Although no consensus among legislative leaders has yet emerged, Gov. Charlie Crist is again calling for a special session to consider a constitutional ban on oil drilling in Florida waters. He said a session could occur "as early as July. I think that is feasible and simply the right thing to do."
Rep. Ron Saunders, the Key West Democrat who is set to be the
next minority leader, was with the governor and said the hold-up is
incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon, who had previously pushed for
drilling off Florida's shores. "People don't want to have to flip flop
on their previous vote," Saunders said.
Cannon and other House leaders have said a constitutional ban is not needed. Florida law already bans drilling in Florida waters. And with the backdrop of one of the largest environmental disasters in recent history, lawmakers aren't likely to change that law anytime soon.
UPDATE: July looks to be nearly the deadline to pass a proposed amendment. Department of State spokeswoman Jennifer Davis notes that the department must receive proposed changes to the constitution at least 90 days before the general election. That's Aug. 4.
-- Cristina Silva
Sounds like Saunders and Cannon are in BP's back pocket just like Obama.
Posted by: Tracy | June 07, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Huh? Saunders wants the Special Session and voted against lifting drilling ban.
Posted by: g | June 07, 2010 at 01:28 PM
Let's get this amendment on the books so big oil cannot buy off our legislators and sell out Florida's beaches. Join our Facebook group which supports the drilling ban. Here is a link to 4 different groups opposing offshore drilling: www.marcoenfuego.com/oil-drilling/
Posted by: Marcoenfuego | June 07, 2010 at 01:53 PM
Drill baby drill... right?
Posted by: Natesilver | June 08, 2010 at 03:43 PM