Governor Scott: Veto Any Bill That Preempts Communities From Banning Fracking

Hydraulic Fracturing or "fracking," a dangerous, dirty and extreme form of fossil fuel extraction puts the public health of communities at risk and increases emissions that contribute to climate disruption. Recently, Governor Andrew Cuomo banned the practice in New York citing public health concerns. Florida should follow this example to better protect citizens, water quality and, given its particular vulnerability, address climate change.

Senate Bill (SB) 318 and House Bill (191) would not only allow for an expansion of fracking throughout the state, they would also prevent local jurisdictions from banning this harmful practice in their communities.

Your citizens deserve a Frack-Free Florida and the ability to make local decisions that best serve and maintain the safety of their communities. Additionally, the many tourist who frequent and bring commerce to the state are also concerned about the health risks associated with an expansion of fracking that would be unregulated at the local level.

Therefore, we the undersigned demand that you veto any bills that would expand fracking and/or preempt local communities from banning fracking.

Sources:

1. Text of House Bill 191: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2016/0191/BillText/Filed/PDF

2. Text of Senate Bill 318: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2016/0318/BillText/Filed/PDF

3. Industry Backed-Fracking Bill Clears Florida House Panel. Margie Menzel, WJCT 11/4/2015: http://news.wjct.org/post/industry-backed-fracking-bill-clears-florida-house-panel

4. Florida Bill Draws Complaints About How Far it Goes to Block Local Governments. Jenna Buzzacco-Forester. Napels Daily News, 11/3/2015: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/government/fracturing-bill-draws-complaints-about-how-far-it-goes-to-block-local-governments-23a950d2-9457-1379-340007721.html