Protesters raise voices against fracking

Protesters – including elected officials and environmental advocates - stood outside of State Sen. Thad Altman’s office this afternoon to voice concern over efforts in Tallahassee to allow the controversial practice of fracking in Florida.

Nearly 60 protesters waving American flags and carrying signs were gathered along Astronaut Boulevard near Altman’s office in Cape Canaveral. The group is demanding that senators like Altman vote against two bills making the rounds in the legislature, which would ease restrictions on fracking. Altman has already called for an approach that includes setting up regulatory guidelines to ensure safety.

Protesters, however were adamant in their desire to make sure Florida's fragile eco-system is not impacted by fracking.

“We want a fracking ban,” said Eric Rollings, Area 3 Vice-President of Florida Soil & Water Conservation Districts.

“We’re out here to raise awareness so we can contact the senators to tell them that we don’t want fracking in this state. Our water is the most important asset in this state. We need to raise awareness on this issue,” he said.

Byron: Big Oil will make a big mess

Several protesters chanted ‘ban fracking now’ as motorists drove by. The rally, sponsored by the advocacy group Rethink Energy Florida, was one of several taking place over the weekend as environmentalists, activists and others lobby state legislators to vote against any legislation that allows fracking in Florida.

"This is critical," said Lisa Ray, area coordinator for Rethink Florida. "if this (legislation) passes, then we will have fracking right here in Florida," said Ray, adding that the state agencies charged with overseeing issues like fracking are already understaffed.

Similar protests across the country have taken place over the last few years as oil and gas companies continue to carry out the practice.

The legislation proposes that local governments be prohibited from banning the practice. Already, Sen. Altman said he has voted for an amendment on the senate version of the bill to allow the state's Department of Environmental Protection to develop regulatory rules and guidelines for hearings and appeals.

"I share their concern," said Altman about the protesters. "I think their voices are getting heard. What we're trying to do is have a more systematic approach. There are concerns and what we want to make sure is that if it's done, it's done safely," said Altman who voted for the amendment. Other considerations include issues of property rights, including companies that may have legal right to underground materials. The question, the senator says, is ensuring that the process, if established, is done safely.

Fracking, a process already used to tap into fossil fuel deposits in states like Oklahoma involves using specialized equipment to pressure pump water and even chemicals into the ground to allow companies to siphon out underground deposits oil and gas. Environmental groups cite concerns that the practice could contaminate well water reserves.

"The potential for contamination of our aquifers is a huge concern," Ray said. "I don't think we should become a scientific experiment."

The amendment from Senator Simpson on the bill:

The Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation (Simpson) recommended the following:

(Here is the text of the amendment).

Delete line 425  and insert:

for high-pressure well stimulations which are based upon the

6  findings of the study required pursuant to s. 377.2436 and such

7  rules take effect.

8         (10) The rules for high-pressure well stimulation shall be

9  submitted to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the

10  House of Representatives and such rules may not take effect

11  until they are ratified by the Legislature.

Contact Gallop at 321-242-3642, jdgallop@floridatoday.com and Twitter@JDGallop