Oil drilling critics urge DeSantis to block state permit
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Critics of a proposed oil drilling operation along the Apalachicola River say they urgently want Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign a bill that should block a state permit for the operation.
Environmentalists, local elected officials and shellfish farmers are among those backing a bill that passed the Legislature and would ban drilling in four counties along the river. But some opponents say there are loopholes in the bill and timing elements that still could allow a permit to be issued.
Bill supporters say the governor needs to take action now to help ensure the state Department of Environmental Protection doesn't issue a permit to Clearwater Land and Minerals for the Calhoun County drilling site as it proposed last year.
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The Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association this week invited DeSantis (R) to Apalachicola to sign the bill, FL HB1143 (25R). The governor has seven days to sign the bill once he receives it from the Legislature.
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