Following the aborted Special Session earlier this week by the GOP-led Legislature, State Representative Geraldine Thompson, (D-Orlando), issued the following statement:
“In order to address the damage that Deep Water Horizon and the BP oil spill have caused to Florida businesses heavily dependent on tourism, boating, and seafood; Representative Geraldine F. Thompson traveled to Tallahassee to participate in a Special Session called for July 20 through July 23rd. The BP oil spill has been affecting the Gulf for over 90 days and many Florida businesses and property owners affected by the disaster are still waiting for help. Rep. Thompson co sponsored legislation that would have addressed the need to help Floridians affected by the oil spill and the need to explore alternate energy sources such as solar and bio fuel which could lessen Florida’s dependence on oil consumption.
Representative Thompson and other Legislative leaders convened in Tallahassee at noon on Tuesday, July 20th to consider placing an amendment on the November ballot which would allow Floridians to decide if they wanted to see a permanent ban on drilling for oil in waters less than ten miles from Florida’s coast. Though a ban currently exists on near shore oil drilling in Florida, it can be removed by legislators unless Floridians vote to have the ban placed in Florida’s Constitution.
Representative Thompson said in a press conference just prior to the beginning of the special session that Floridians should have the right to have their voices heard. She urged other legislative leaders to let the people vote. Despite the urging of Representative Thompson and other legislators, the majority of the members of the Florida House of Representatives refused to debate the proposed ban and voted to adjourn the session less than an hour after it began. A deadline of August 4th exists for items to be placed on the November, 2010 ballot. Because of the lack of action by the Florida Legislature, voters will not be able to consider a ban in 2010.”
