http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3844560

Special thanks to Richard Charter Saturday, February 06, 2010 5:52 PM

Source: The Walton Sun (Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.  By Deborah Wheeler, Walton Sun, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

Feb. 6–Big Oil might face big opposition in South Walton, a recent informal poll from The Sun reveals.

If the fiery responses are any indication, there should be plenty in South Walton joining hands Feb. 13 when citizens across the state of Florida protest proposed drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico.  More than 200 area locals were polled by The Sun to find out where the community stands on the measure, and many were not shy about expressing their thoughts — especially those who were opposed to the possibility of drilling 3 to 10 miles off Florida’s beaches.

“I think it would be the most irrational, emotionally charged blunder for the state of Florida and the entire country,” said artist Ari Zalace. “Coal and oil are dying technologies [and not worth] sacrificing environmental treasures for. Let’s learn something from the rest of the world. Other countries are pouring billions into sustainable energy, like wind and solar, and yet the good ol’ boy politicians in this country are still going head strong for the remaining oil and gas reserves. At what cost?”
“I will fight it with all of my energy,” said financial consultant Jane Burns. “I don’t want a bunch of Texas oil men ruining our biggest and most beautiful asset.”

Former County Commissioner Cindy Meadows agreed. “No drilling! Period,” she said.

“Tourism is our biggest asset, and it’s hard enough dealing with hurricane season. The beaches, coastal lakes and the fishing industry deserve our respect,” said art teacher Billie Gaffrey.

Although the vast majority of responses opposed nearby Gulf drilling, other residents are still squarely on the other side of the line in the sand.”With gas at $2.80 a gallon, let’s drill, baby,” said Destin’s Ernie Shillingburg.   “I am for it, why not?” said Sandestin’s Connie Niehaus.”We need to do anything and everything to decrease, or better yet end, our dependence on foreign oil,” said Niceville’s John Morris. “If it means drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, then so be it.”   “Our oil or foreign oil? Seems like an easy choice,” said Destin’s Frank Macon.

But for those on the other side, the choice was also crystal clear.   “It really is amazing. Here we have Southwest Airlines, which we hope will bring in tourists to experience our paradise. I bet they aren’t coming to see Walmart or oil drills offshore!” said Donna Pelous of Rosemary Beach.   Freeport’s Bill Stephenson’s thoughtful response was, “Only when the economy returns will it more than offset the cost of the environmental damage and the cost of repairs.    Realize our environment is priceless.”

Fears of a spill were a common thread among many respondents.   “I am against it big time!” said Realtor Harry Millsaps. “It will only be a matter of time before we have a major oil spill hit our beaches. “In this area, the benefits are not worth the risks,” said restaurant owner George Barnes.

Some suggested that those eager to drill should go west or north.  “I’ll agree to it once California does,” said Point Washington’s Karen White.
“Why not drill in Alaska; they have plenty of crude and keep our beaches white,” said Point Washington resident June Holm. “However, go ahead and drill; the sooner we run out, the sooner they will have to find an alternative fuel.”   “I’m opposed,” said Jackie Gibson. “Go to the frigid north where no one lives!”   One respondent said we could learn a thing or two from our European neighbors. “I lived in Europe 30 years ago, and when you left the house, all the lights went off,” said Seaside resident Karen Tucker. “If we would only do that – problem solved.”

But for many, the problem ran deeper.  “We can’t keep putting off finding alternative energy sources,” said Freeport resident Eileen West. “The more we avoid finding other ways to power our lives, the more we give control of our destiny to foreign governments. Drilling to get more fossil fuels to help us in the short term will not solve the problem in the long run. Americans are inventive enough to find ways to make oil obsolete. New technology is being tested everyday. Let’s move forward.”

http://www.pennenergy.com/index/blogs/washington-pulse/blogs/OGJ/washington-pulse/post987_2866464857426730017.html

US Environmental Protection Agency has created a toll-free tip-line for citizens to report non-emergency suspicious activity related to oil and gas development. Called “Eyes on Drilling,” the number for the tip-line, which EPA’s Philadelphia regional office announced on Jan. 27, is (877) 919-4EPA. Tips may be provided anonymously, it added.

The agency, which also is accepting tips by e-mail at eyesondrilling@epa.gov, said it will accept information from people who observe what appears to be disposal or wastes or other illegal activity. “While EPA doesn’t grant permits for oil and gas drilling operations, there are EPA regulations which may apply to the storage of petroleum products and drilling fluids. The agency is also very concerned about the proper disposal of waste products, and protecting air and water resources,” it continued.

The notice said that EPA wants to better understand what people are experiencing and observing as a result of oil and gas drilling activities. The information collected may also be useful in investigating industry practices, it indicated. The tips should include the location, time, and date of such activity, as well as materials, equipment, and vehicles involved, and any observable environmental impacts.

EPA’s regional office in Philadelphia clearly issued the notice because of growing interest in the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation. Production of gas from it will require hydraulic fracturing, which it said results in 20-30% of the fluid used flowing back to the surface with produced brines which contained dissolved materials from the formation, it said in the notice.

“Operators are urged to recycle their flowback water for reuse in the fraccing process, but some of the flowback is taken offsite for disposal,” it continued. “Chemicals used in the process are often stored on-site. Spills can occur when utilizing these chemicals or when transporting or storing wastewater, which can result in the contamination of surface water or ground water, which is used for many purposes including drinking water.”

The service adds another government element to an already complicated situation as Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and West Virginians try to grapple with potentially heavy gas production in areas which have no experience with it. It won’t be surprising if opponents use it to cause trouble. But it also will be there in case actual landowners and nearby residents see genuine problems.

Special thanks to Richard Charter

Hello Fellow Lovers of the Florida Coast,
 
The fight over oil drilling in Florida’s waters is a fight for the heart and soul of Florida.  Our coastlines are what brought many here, and what keep many of us here.  From the white sand beaches of barrier islands to the vast coastal marshes of the Nature Coast…..our coastlines define us, and what it means to be a Floridian.  The sands and salty air, the seagrass beds, the coastal hammocks and wetlands….they are who we are.
 
A tremendous fight is brewing in Florida over whether or not to allow oil drilling in Florida’s waters (3-9 miles offshore).  Powerful lobbyists with the incredible money of the oil industry are working hard in the Florida Legislature to abandon the Florida Dream and sell our coasts to Big Oil.  When the Legislature begins meeting next month our coastlines and our state’s future will hang in the balance.  But you can change that!
 
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13TH – HANDS ACROSS THE SAND EVENTS AND RALLIES ACROSS FLORIDA – FIGHT FOR OUR COASTS!
On Saturday Feb. 13th thousands of Floridians will gather along our coasts at beaches, boat launches, coastal parks and preserves, and near their favorite fishing holes to rally and share opposition against offshore drilling in Florida’s waters.  YOU NEED TO BE THERE!  There is still plenty of time to plan on attending, and more importantly if you live in a section of the state where there are not enough events, to organize your own local event.  To find out where local events are in your community please visit http://handsacrossthesand.com/
 
NOTE: HANDS ACROSS THE SAND ORGANIZERS ARE LOOKING FOR FOLKS IN THE UPPER NATURE COAST AND BIG BEND REGION TO HOST AND ORGANIZE LOCAL EVENTS.  THE WEBSITE IS A GREAT TOOL TO SPREAD THE WORD, AND CONTACT ORGANIZERS WHO CAN HELP.  THIS CAN BE AS SIMPLE AS GATHERING YOUR ORGANIZATION’S MEMBERS AT A LOCAL PARK OR BOAT LAUNCH, OR AT A FAVORITE COASTAL LOCATION.  MAKE SURE TO TAKE PICTURES, INVITE THE MEDIA, AND HAVE FUN.  For more assistance please contact Gulf Restoration Network (Joe Murphy, joe@healthygulf.org)
 
GULF RESTORATION NETWORK IS PARTNERING WITH PUTMAN COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL TO ORGANIZE A HANDS ACROSS THE SAND EVENT AT THE ANNUAL RIVER RALLY IN PALATKA, FLORIDA
If you are planning on attending the annual River Rally in Palatka, Florida (sponsored and organized by Putnam County Environmental Council) you can also participate in Hands Across the Sand!  Gulf Restoration Network will be partnering with PCEC and others to organize a Hands Across the Sand Event at the River Rally from 12:00 to 1:00pm EST.  Please contact Joe Murphy (joe@healthygulf.org) for more info, or Karen Ahlers (karen@pcecweb.org) for more info on River Rally.  You can also visit http://www.pcecweb.org/  for more information about River Rally (Feb. 12th – Feb. 14th).
 
Last but not least take the time today to visit http://www.protectfloridasbeaches.org/
 
This website is designed to ensure you have all the facts, data, information, and tools to be an advocate for protecting Florida’s coastlines and beaches from offshore drilling.  It is designed to ensure you can educate and activate yourself, and your community.  Now it’s time to get started!  http://www.protectfloridasbeaches.org/
 
Next time you are at the beach gaze out across that broad, beautiful horizon and try to picture it dotted with rigs.  Uuuugh!  Next time you are in a place like Aripeka or Crystal River fishing in world class waters, picture pipelines and storage tanks dotting the coast.  Noooo!  Better yet, picture yourself attending Hands Across the Sand, then writing a letter/sending an email a day to decision makers and the media about why Florida is the wrong place to drill.  Perfect.
 
 
Joe Murphy
Florida Program Director
Gulf Restoration Network
352-583-0870 (office)
813-468-0870 (cell)
Florida Office:
34413 Orchid Parkway
Ridge Manor, Fl. 33523
joe@healthygulf.org
www.healthygulf.org

Here’s the post by Ericka Biddle for the Key West Events: 

http://www.eenews.net/eed/

Friday, January 22, 2010

by Mike Soraghan, E&E reporter, Senior reporter Darren Samuelsohn contributed.  Special thanks to Richard Charter

The idea of passing an energy bill without cap and trade is gaining currency on Capitol Hill as Democratic leaders look at scaling back their agenda. But it may run into trouble from liberal and coastal lawmakers who oppose more offshore drilling.

“Energy only” backers have portrayed such legislation as a path to a bipartisan achievement, particularly in the wake of the Massachusetts Senate election widely seen as a repudiation of the Democrats’ ambitious agenda.

But while liberal and coastal lawmakers might have been willing to allow more offshore drilling in exchange for a cap on greenhouse gas emissions, they are less likely to give up that leverage if a cap-and-trade plan is jettisoned.

“There are provisions that are more difficult for us to accept if they’re not part of a comprehensive bill,” said Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.). “In a broader package I am more understanding of some of the other regional concerns.”

Conversely, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who is trying to put together a joint climate and energy bill has been telling Republicans that they cannot get the offshore drilling, nuclear and other pro-production measures they want without a cap.

“I can get every Republican for an energy independence bill, OK? But there are not 60 votes,” Graham said. “You’re not going to get the nuclear power provisions you want unless you do something on emission controls.”

The energy bill (S. 1462) passed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in June included a provision by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) to open areas as close as 45 miles from Florida’s gulf coast to drilling.

The measure also includes a renewable electricity standard requiring utilities to provide 15 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2021. Environmentalists have called for a 25 percent standard by 2025.

Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) still wants his committee’s bill to be paired with a cap-and-trade system. But Dorgan has pushed for that legislation to be passed on its own, without the cap-and-trade plans being written in other committees.

“It will move us in the direction of a lower-carbon future,” Dorgan said. He added that most areas of the outer continental shelf were opened to drilling a year ago. His bill would open one of the last places that is still off limits.

“Offshore drilling is a carrot,” Dorgan said. “It’s a carrot that’s already been consumed.”

But Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) is likely to filibuster any effort to expand drilling off the shores of his home state. Without an emissions cap, liberal Democrats are even less likely to try to help override his objections.

“Enviros would revolt and could easily peel off enough liberal senators to keep them from getting 60 votes,” said a House Democratic leadership aide, “at least in the short term.”  Another House Democratic aide who described the energy-only bill as a likely compromise said it would still need the Florida senator’s support to pass. The aide said Dorgan and Nelson would have to work out some sort of compromise about how far off the coast the drilling would be.

And prospects would not be much better in the House. The House cap-and-trade bill did not include any offshore drilling. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is a longtime foe of offshore drilling and once derided the idea that it might lower gas prices as a “hoax.”    Pelosi relented in the face of Republican pressure and high gas prices in 2008 and allowed a longstanding moratorium on coastal drilling to expire, although the GOP and oil industry have criticized the Obama administration’s progress on approving leases.

Though it is being shepherded by Dorgan, supporters see offshore drilling as a way to bring Republicans on board to an energy bill. Energy companies say drilling is popular not only with the GOP but the general public as well.

“The American people overwhelmingly support these common-sense efforts, and leaders in Washington should too,” said Bruce Vincent, president of Swift Energy and chairman of the Independent Petroleum Association of America.

Supporters also note that liberals and environmentalists would still be getting a renewable energy standard that would cut greenhouse emissions by power plants. But that won’t satisfy most climate activists. Daniel Weiss, director of climate strategy at the Center for American Progress, said the RES in the Senate energy bill has too many loopholes.

Weiss looks at drilling as the political equivalent of dessert. Measures to reduce greenhouse gases amount to eating your vegetables, he said — not as pleasant, but better in the long run. He worries that any such bill will have too much sugar and not enough broccoli.
“We need a balanced energy menu with vegetables and protein, not just a pile of Cool Whip,” Weiss said.

 
Tues., Jan. 19, 2010
Contact:  Dan McLaughlin; 202-224-1679 / 202-309-1985
www.billnelson.senate.gov
 
 
 
Following is Sen. Bill Nelson’s response to a report today on oil drilling by Securing America’s Future Energy:
 
It should come as no surprise that a group that touts drilling off Florida should produce a study saying drilling there is okay.  Its report must be considered against a backdrop: it was produced by a group that helped craft and promote legislation that would allow oil drilling 45 miles off Florida’s coast.
 
And it’s probably no coincidence that the sponsor of the legislation today also touted the study in question while renewing a call for passage of his bill.
 
As for the report citing claims by former or retired military that armed forces training off Florida could co-exist with drilling, the Pentagon for years has said otherwise.  It remains the Defense Department’s policy that military exercises and training in the eastern Gulf are incompatible with oil drilling operations.
 
The bottom line remains the same: oil drilling and military training don’t mix; and, there isn’t enough oil off Florida’s coast to make a difference in our country’s energy independence; nor is there enough to risk the environment and tourism-driven economy of the nation’s fourth largest state.