Gov. Charlie Crist on Friday vetoed HB 1565, saying the rule-making bill violated the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of state government.The bill required the Legislature to approve agency rules that would cost economic growth in excess of $1 million or affect private sector innovation or competition with other states for jobs.Those supporting the bill
Friday, 28 May 2010
Tar balls could be on beaches for months
Posted on 15:25 by Unknown
A worker removes oil from a beach in Louisiana on May 23. No oil connected with the Deepwater Horizon spill has been confirmed on Florida beaches.Researchers are concerned that a sub-surface plume of oil could threaten Florida's coast for months even if BP is successful in capping a gushing oil well. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill off the Louisiana Coast already has dumped an estimated 18
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Spill tops Exxon Valdez as McCollum, Sink weigh in
Posted on 16:36 by Unknown
Vessels conduct "top kill" operation at oil spill site in Gulf of Mexico. (Coast Guard photo) A BP official said Thursday that it was too soon to know whether the "top kill" operation aimed at ending the gush of oil from the damaged oil well off the Louisiana coast was working.BP was planning to pump more drilling "mud" into the gushing well Thursday night in an attempt to stop the flow, said
PSC approves Gainesville biomass plant
Posted on 16:30 by Unknown
Conceptual rendering of American Renewables proposed plant in GainesvilleA biomass power plant proposed by Gainesville was narrowly approved Thursday by the Florida Public Service Commission after nearly being voted down in February. The commission split 3-2 in favor of the plant.Gainesville Regional Utilities requested a determination of need for the 100-megawatt plant that would be built and
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
"Top kill" success on oil leak still unknown
Posted on 17:44 by Unknown
BP on Wednesday began its "top kill" procedure for trying to stop an oil well leak in the Gulf of Mexico that threatens Florida's coast. There was no word whether the procedure was working.The top kill involves pumping dense oil drilling "mud" and concrete through a malfunctioning blow-out preventer device. A BP official said during an 8 p.m. news conference that the procedure was continuing as
Crist giving close look to rule-making bill
Posted on 17:41 by Unknown
Gov. Charlie Crist says he is giving HB 1565 regarding agency rule-making "a close look" as he considers whether to sign the bill or veto it in response to opposition.Crist has until Friday to sign the bill, which would require the Legislature to approve agency rules that cost economic growth in excess of $1 million or affect private sector innovation or competition with other states. The bill
Opponents argue that EPA rule affects biomass plant
Posted on 17:36 by Unknown
Opponents of a proposed biomass gas electric plant in Gainesville are asking the Public Service Commission to delay an expected decision on Thursday because of a new federal rule dealing with greenhouse gas emissions.The needs determination for the American Renewables plant proposed by Gainesville Regional Utilities is being watched closely by supporters and opponents of biomass power. Supporters
State purchase to help Florida family stay in cattle business
Posted on 11:36 by Unknown
Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet on Tuesday approved the purchase of a 782-acre conservation easement in Osceola County that a ranching family said will help it stay in the cattle business.Adams Ranch covers 33,000 acres and includes some virtually undisturbed areas that provide habitat for numerous threatened wildlife species, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
State finally receives $25 million from BP for ad campaign
Posted on 15:27 by Unknown
Gov. Charlie Crist announced Tuesday afternoon that Florida received $25 million from BP for advertising, offsetting criticism earlier in the day from a state senator that the governor wasn't doing enough in response to the spill.At the state Emergency Operations Center, Crist announced shortly after 4 p.m. the receipt of the $25-million wire transfer from BP. VisitFlorida CEO and President
2010-11 budget includes $15.5 million for beaches
Posted on 05:12 by Unknown
Supporters of beach sand replacement projects are welcoming a $15.5 million appropriation in the 2010-11 state budget approved by the Legislature.Gov. Charlie Crist did not request any new money for the projects but supported using $5 million in unspent money from prior year projects. The 2010-11 budget includes $10.5 million in new general revenue in addition to the previous $5 million from the
CFO Sink requests federal takeover as drilling opponents protest
Posted on 05:07 by Unknown
Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink on Monday asked President Barack Obama to direct the federal government to take away control by BP over the response to the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Sink also asked the president to send top administration officials to brief the state Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday.BP said Monday it is pushing back until Wednesday its latest effort to stop the
ERC approves tougher biosolids rule
Posted on 05:04 by Unknown
The land application of sewage sludge, called biosolids, would be further restricted under rule revisions adopted last week by the state Environmental Regulation Commission.The Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposed rule revisions in 2009 because of increasing public concerns about environmental and health threats posed by the spreading of biosolids on farm fields and pastures.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
New Panama City airport opens Sunday
Posted on 08:51 by Unknown
Panama City and Bay County's new airport opens Sunday amid pomp and gala with state officials visiting on Saturday. Gov. Charlie Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum, Sen. Bill Nelson, Sen. George LeMieux and members of the local legislative delegation are expected to attend.The Northwest Florida Beaches Airport will have a 10,000-foot runway and is the first new international airport to open in
Panel relaxes pollution requirement for Fenholloway River
Posted on 08:43 by Unknown
View Larger MapThe state Environmental Regulation Commission on Thursday approved a rule allowing the Buckeye Florida pulp mill near Perry to discharge a darker wastewater than previously had been allowed.The mill, built in 1954, is the largest employer in Taylor County with more than 500 workers. Buckeye also has been the target of environmentalists and their disputes with regulatory agencies
Friday, 21 May 2010
New waterway classification approved despite objections
Posted on 04:17 by Unknown
Many canals and concrete ditches don't need the same level of water quality treatment as natural waterways, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection says.As a result, the state Environmental Regulation Commission on Thursday approved a rule that would create a new waterway classification for those altered water bodies. But environmental groups opposed the rule change, predicting it will
Process gearing up for nominating new PSC commissioners
Posted on 04:13 by Unknown
Senate President Jeff Atwater on Thursday named Sen. Mike Bennett to chair the Legislature's panel that nominates new members of the Florida Public Service Commission.Bennett, R-Bradenton, replaces Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs as chairman of the Public Service Commission Nominating Council. Constantine was among 61 people applying for two PSC openings that will occur in June. The
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Florida ERC tackles controversial issues today
Posted on 05:08 by Unknown
The Environmental Regulation Commission will take up three controversial proposals when it meets Thursday in Tallahassee. The ERC will consider a proposed Florida Department of Environmental Protection rule to establish a new waterway classification system for determining water quality standards.The Florida Stormwater Association in 2009 petitioned DEP to create a new classification so that local
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
South Florida reps want emergency declaration
Posted on 18:10 by Unknown
A state representative from Miami is asking Gov. Charlie Crist to expand a state of emergency to include Miami-Dade County.Meanwhile, the Coast Guard said Wednesday that tar balls found Monday in Key West had been tested and they were not from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Even so, Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami, sent a letter to Crist asking for Miami-Dade County to be included on the
PSC struggles with rules to prevent pressuring staff
Posted on 05:18 by Unknown
PSC Chairman Nancy Argenziano, center, discusses proposed procedures with Commissioner Nathan A. Skop while Commissioner Lisa Polak Edgar listens.Public Service Commission members wrestled Tuesday over draft proposed administrative procedures that are aimed at preventing commissioners from unduly pressuring agency staff. Bills to reform the PSC failed to pass the Legislature during the session
Federal fishing area closure nearly doubles in size
Posted on 05:16 by Unknown
A federal closed area to fishing was nearly doubled in size Tuesday to extend far to the east towards Florida. But the area remained about 50 miles from its closest point on the Florida Panhandle near the Alabama state line.The movement of some oil towards the Gulf loop current led National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials to extend the closed area east about 120 miles to a line
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Oil spill's wildlife effects could be felt for years, feds say
Posted on 15:45 by Unknown
A pelican swims on May 13 in a make-shift pool after being cleaned of oil at the Clean Gulf Associates Mobile Wildlife Rehabilitation Station on Fort Jackson in Plaquemine, La..The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico appears to be taking a toll on wildlife but the effects of the disaster could linger for years, federal wildlife officials said Tuesday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Florida groups want solar, renewable standard raised in special session
Posted on 11:42 by Unknown
The Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association is asking Gov. Charlie Crist to support a constitutional amendment to establish a 20-percent renewable energy requirement for Florida utilities. Crist has said he will call a special session soon to consider a constitutional amendment to ban oil drilling and other measures to promote renewable energy in response to the ongoing gulf oil spill. The
Monday, 17 May 2010
Florida DCA's Pelham says bill would tie agencies' hands
Posted on 05:06 by Unknown
Florida Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham on Friday joined critics in saying that a House bill now before the governor would severely hamper state agency rule-making.HB 1565 would require agencies to receive approval by the Legislature for proposed rules that would cost businesses or affect economic growth in excess of $1 million. The bill passed the House and Senate without
Friday, 14 May 2010
Tar balls found on Escambia County beach
Posted on 14:55 by Unknown
Five tar balls have been found on Perdido Key in Escambia County, representing possibly the first oil from the massive ongoing spill to reach Florida waters, the U. S. Coast Guard reported on Friday.The five tar balls, each about a half-inch in diameter, were collected Thursday over a 3.5 mile stretch of shoreline, said Dawn Patience, a spokeswoman for the Joint Information Center in Mobile, Ala.
Bill would require Legislature approval of agency rules
Posted on 04:48 by Unknown
Environmental groups and the St. Johns River Water Management District are calling on Gov. Charlie Crist to veto HB 1565, which he received Thursday from the Legislature. The bill, introduced by Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Lake Mary, requires agencies to conduct an economic analysis of proposed rules that could cost businesses more than $200,000 in the first year after adoption, according to a House
Thursday, 13 May 2010
EPA defends use of chemical dispersants against oil
Posted on 04:28 by Unknown
Federal officials on Wednesday defended the use of chemical dispersants to battle the huge oil spill off the Louisiana coast.The spill from the Deepwater Horizon remained more than 50 miles west of the tip of the Florida Panhandle as more oil was washing ashore in Louisiana. BP and the U. S. Coast Guard have used more than 387,000 gallons of dispersants. The surface slick is being sprayed with
BP asked to pay for Florida advertising campaign
Posted on 04:27 by Unknown
Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday sent a letter to BP asking for it to pay nearly $35 million for a marketing campaign to attract visitors to Florida's beaches and coastal waters.BP is a responsible party under federal law for the ongoing oil spill occurring off Louisiana that threatens Florida's coastline. After meeting with the Visit Florida board of directors on Wednesday, Crist sent a letter to
Florida ag commissioner seeks support against threatened bills
Posted on 04:25 by Unknown
Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson on Wednesday urged Gov. Charlie Crist to sign two bills, HB 981 and HB 7103.Bronson said the bills are needed to support agriculture and he'd heard rumors that Crist may veto them but wasn't sure if the rumors were true. "I'm not sure yet either," Crist said. "Some of that bubbles up before I get to weigh in."HB 981 is intended to reverse a circuit court
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Crist hints at saving cash-strapped solar rebate program
Posted on 04:25 by Unknown
Florida's solar energy rebate program is broke and due to expire, but Gov. Charlie Crist indicated Tuesday he would consider helping the program during a special session.The state established the solar rebate program in 2007 to provide up to $20,000 for home solar panels and up to $500 for solar water heaters. The Legislature last year provided no money for the program, but the state received
True to his word, Bronson votes 'no' on Florida land purchases
Posted on 04:22 by Unknown
The governor and Cabinet on Tuesday approved a pair of state conservation land purchases with Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson voting in opposition.Bronson, who is leaving office later this year because of term limits, said in March he would vote against any additional land purchases other than conservation easements, which involve paying landowners not to develop their property. Bronson
Florida, counties burning through BP cash, Sole says
Posted on 04:19 by Unknown
Florida is quickly spending the $25 million it received last week from BP for the oil spill response and is expected to ask for more soon, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Sole told the Cabinet Tuesday.BP is the legal "responsible party" under federal law, which means the company will have to pay for protecting Florida's shore and cleaning up the oil that reaches it.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Crist to call special session for drilling, renewable energy
Posted on 12:15 by Unknown
Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday he will call a special session of the Legislature to consider placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot to ban oil drilling. "I think it's important that we go ahead and have a special session," Crist told reporters before a Cabinet meeting. "I think after my conversation with Senate President (Jeff) Atwater yesterday, I'm encouraged the Legislature is of a
Monday, 10 May 2010
Use of chemical dispersants against oil spill questioned
Posted on 19:39 by Unknown
BY THE FLORIDA TRIBUNEOfficials battling an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico can't claim victory simply by keeping the oil offshore with the use of chemicals, a Florida State University researcher said Monday.BP says 315,000 gallons of chemical dispersants have been used since the oil spill began April 21 off the Louisiana coast. The Coast Guard says it prefers to battle the oil offshore to
Friday, 7 May 2010
Author says oil slick only the visible tip of problem
Posted on 03:02 by Unknown
An environmental author told an environmental summit in Tallahassee Thursday that the spreading oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico is only the most visible aspect of the nation's dependence on fossil fuels.Bill McKibben is a scholar-in-residence at Middlebury College in Vermont, founder of 350.org and author of "Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future." He was the keynote
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Oil washes ashore in La. as Florida waits
Posted on 17:57 by Unknown
The oil spill remained far offshore from Florida Thursday though some began washing ashore in Louisiana, coating beaches, marshes and sea birds with greasy oil.The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded on April 21 and sank the following day, causing about 200,000 gallons of oil a day to gush from a well under 5,000 feet of water. Gov. Charlie Crist has declared a state of emergency for 18
Mild weather keeps oil offshore
Posted on 05:29 by Unknown
A combination of mild weather and a favorable current could keep the Deepwater Horizon oil spill from reaching the state's beaches for at least three to five days, state officials said on Wednesday."Mother Nature has played in our favor so far,'' said State Meterologist Amy Godsey.Godsey explained that winds right now are blowing out of the north and aren't expected to change until the end of the
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
PSC moving forward with limited reforms
Posted on 07:48 by Unknown
The Florida Public Service Commission is moving forward with rules to define prohibited "ex parte" communications. Bills to define such prohibited communications in commission failed to win legislative approval.The bills were offered in response to news reports last year of communications between commissioners' staff and utility representatives during rate hearing requests. PSC staff told
Biomass plants face more delays
Posted on 07:47 by Unknown
A proposed biomass gas electric plant in Port St. Joe will be delayed by 18 months because of siting difficulties, according to Progress Energy.Biomass energy supporters say such plants will provide needed renewable energy in Florida. But several projects have been delayed or relocated because of various problems.The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved a request by Progress
Loop current could sweep oil to Florida's east coast
Posted on 07:45 by Unknown
Gov. Charlie Crist toured the Gulf of Mexico oil spill again Tuesday while one federal official said the response effort had been given "the gift of time" with good weather.A leaking well from an oil rig that exploded on April 21 continues to pour what had been estimated at about 200,000 gallons per day into Gulf waters. NOAA maps suggested the spill would be within 25 miles from the Florida
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Florida Gov. Crist says "absolutely" to energy special session
Posted on 00:44 by Unknown
Gov. Charlie Crist said the Gulf oil spill provides a clear message about the need for renewable energy and he hinted that the topic could be included in a special session of the Legislature.The governor said the timing of the spill was "pretty extraordinary" considering that the Legislative session last week had bills dealing that with drilling. Actually, there was little movement on the bills
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Florida Legislature passes energy financing measure
Posted on 09:13 by Unknown
A bill that supporters said would establish an innovative renewable energy program in Florida passed the Legislature, but another bill that would have encouraged utilities to buy more renewable energy failed.HB 7179 would establish the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program to allow local governments to finance renewable energy and storm-resistance improvements. There are 16 states with
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Recyling bill passes along with measure allowing yard waste in landfills
Posted on 07:55 by Unknown
Florida House of RepresentativesA bill that provides a path for the state towards reaching a 75-percent recycling goal by 2020 was adopted by the Legislature Friday and is being sent to the governor. Florida now recycles about 28 percent of its waste, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.The Legislature in 2008 adopted the 75-percent recycling goal to reduce energy use,
Florida braces for oil spill
Posted on 07:46 by Unknown
Forecasted movement of oil spill shows it not reaching Florida through Monday. To view the image source, click here.Gov. Charlie Crist issued an emergency declaration Friday stating that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico poses a major disaster threat to the Florida Panhandle.The explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon oil well off the Louisiana coast last week is causing 200,000 gallons
State matches controversial fed move reducing snapper season
Posted on 07:43 by Unknown
Florida has agreed to reduce the length of the red snapper season in state waters to match a federal measure to reduce the season's length in federal waters.Red snapper is a key species for recreational and commercial anglers. Federal efforts to reduce overfishing of snapper and group have created a political outcry among Florida politicians and fishing groups. Critics say the 2007 amendments to
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)