Bill Introduced in Florida Legislature to Permit Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration

Florida State Senator Mike Haridopolos (R) introduced SB 2622 late last week, a bill that would charge energy companies $1 million to explore for oil and gas in state waters off the northwestern coast of Florida.  Several state senators objected to the legislation and suggested that offshore E&P in this area could affect U.S. military training operations.  According to the News Herald (Panama City, FL), this bill is identical to one proposed last year.