RENNER and STEVENSON Voted for Fracking Bill Supported by KOCH INDUSTRIES

OATH BREAKERS?: With hands on Bibles, Reps. CYNDI STEVENSON and PAUL RENNER, swear oath as new legislators in 2015, swearing they will represent us.  They voted in favor of 'Fracking,' or hydrofracture petroleum and natural gas extraction methods using injection of toxic liquids into our aquifer. They should have voted to ban it, opting for the petroleum industry's loony law for the Governor RICHARD LYNN SCOTT administration of pro-industry hacks to "study" fracking/adcidification in porous limestone geology of  the Floridan Aquifer. 

Read the House-passed Florida fracking bill here. 

Are they nuts?

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and government [last two words not in Article VI of U.S. Constitution) of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the State, and that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of State Representative on which I am now about to enter, so help me God."
[NOTE: If you affirm, you may omit the words “so help me God.” See § 92.52, Fla. Stat.]  The Constitution includes the takings clause, which would militate against allowing private corporations to pollute the subsurface waters of the State of Florida end the United States of America.

In Florida, fracking must be banned, not studied -- as Jim Sutton points out in his St. Augustine Record editorial, tracking makes no sense in Florida's limestone geology (Floridan Aquifer).

Hence, the vote of both misguided freshman state representatives (PAUL RENNER and CYNDI STEVENSON) supporting fracking is an embarrassment.

Our St. Johns County Commission, of which STEVENSON was a member until 2015, asked for a NO vote.

The oleaginous excuses emitted by these two other-directed legislative newbies, these shallow babes in the woods, sounds like it came straight from the FLORIDA PETROLEUM COUNCIL, whose Executive Director is DAVID MICA, brother of Florida U.S. Representative JOHN LUIGI MICA (R-Winter Park).(DAVID MICA, JR. is legislative affairs director for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, so when legislators promise fracking will be regulated, you can count on coverups).

U.S. Representative JOHN L. MICA is as lugubrious a goober as ever made a chair squeak, an egotistical pipsqueak.

At the MICA family, they believe that the "family that preys together, stays together" as members of the 1%. Rep. MICA is an open, notorious public Republican supporter of offshore oil drilling, MICA's son is a lobbyist for fertilizer interests and his daughter is a lobbyist for petroleum interests.

MICA has a nickname, "TARBALL," and we hope it sticks.

Mendacious misanthropic JOHN LUIGI MICA mis-represented St Johns County, 2002-2012, until redistricting stuck us with another sttuck-up alien implant, rude Republican RONALD DION DeSANTIS (R-Ponte Vedra).  At least KOCH INDUSTRIES' Senate candidate, RON DeSANTIS doesn't blow quite as much money as MICA on "meals with constituents," a ruse for spending campaign funds living high off the hog.

Read more on our two state representatives, PAUL RENNER and CYNDI STEVENSON, who now badly need replacing by people who will vote to preserve Florida's aquifer from tracking:

State representatives, local officials eyeing fracking bill
Posted: February 2, 2016 - 11:35pm | Updated: February 3, 2016 - 9:44am

By SHELDON GARDNER
sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com
State Rep. Cyndi Stevenson said her vote for a House bill on fracking was not a vote for the controversial practice, but a show of support for its study and regulation.

Others say the bill would just open up possibilities for the industry, which some say would put the state’s water supply in danger, according to the Associated Press and officials.

Passed last week by the House, HB 191 prohibits local government bans on fracking but also regulates and requires a study of the impacts of the activity, according to the Associated Press. Others questioned the bill, while local officials have supported a ban on fracking. The bill passed the House with a 73-45 vote. Rep. Paul Renner also voted for the bill.

Hydraulic fracturing — or fracking — blasts through rock using water and chemicals as a way to get to oil and gas deposits.

“Fracking has occurred in Florida without fracking-specific regulations,” according to an email from Stevenson. “Recognizing the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing, the Florida House passed HB 191.”

Hydraulic fracturing is allowed statewide under existing Florida law, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Hydraulic fracturing is a type of well stimulation, according to the FDEP.

In September, the St. Johns County Commission sent a letter to Gov. Rick Scott, Sen. Travis Hutson, Stevenson and Renner seeking a statewide ban on hydraulic fracturing, acid fracturing and well-stimulation.

“There is a concern hydraulic fracturing will have negative impacts to the citizens of St. Johns County. The potential exposure to the chemicals used in acid fracturing or well stimulation treatments may pose a widespread and significant risk to public health and safety and the environment,” reads part of the letter.

The letter added that fracking uses “substantial amounts of freshwater at a time when many Florida counties and municipalities are struggling with the impacts that water scarcity may have in the state in the near future,” and “hydraulic fracturing in any area of the state has the potential to negatively affect the drinking water supply.”

Commissioner Bill McClure brought up the fracking bill at Tuesday’s commission meeting. County Attorney Patrick McCormack and County Administrator Michael Wanchick said they had been contacted by Tallahassee officials about the issue and referred people to the county’s position supporting a ban.

St. Augustine City Manager John Regan said he planned to talk with Stevenson about the issue.

HB 191 is now in the Senate’s hands. A similar Senate bill could be heard on the Senate floor in the next several weeks, said Katie Betta, spokeswoman for Senate President Andy Gardiner.

Among other steps, the legislation would have the FDEP do a $1 million study on the impact of fracking and how chemicals and water would be disposed of, according to the Associated Press.

The bill also requires that the Department of Environmental Protection not approve permits for high-pressure well stimulation until the department adopts rules based on the study. Local governments would still have some control over zoning the practice.

According to the DEP, “oil and gas production has historically occurred in two primary areas of the state, the Smackover Trend in Northwest Florida and the Sunniland Trend of Southwest Florida. There are currently operating wells in Collier, Hendry, Lee, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.”

Renner and Stevenson indicated the recently passed House bill would provide state officials with more knowledge and regulation, and a temporary ban.

“The bill imposes a moratorium on fracking and directs DEP to conduct a scientific, peer-reviewed study on the potential effects of fracking, including each chemical ingredient used in the process,” according to Stevenson. “This will help us better understand the potential impacts fracking may have on Florida’s unique geography. Based on the findings of this study, DEP must adopt rules that are required to be ratified by the legislature before they can issue any permits.”

She added that the bill gives regulators tools such as inspections, civil fines and disclosure of chemicals.

Renner’s support for the bill echoed Stevenson's comments.

“The house’s bill on fracking provides a common-sense regulatory framework where none exists today,” according to a statement sent from Renner’s office. “It gives the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) the authority to protect the environment and promote safety through permitting, inspections, disclosure and an increase in civil fines for bad actors who break the law. Furthermore, before any fracking can occur in the limited regions of the state where oil can be found, the bill requires that the DEP conduct a scientific, peer-reviewed study on fracking in our state so we can better understand any effects it may have on Florida’s unique geography.”

COMMENTS
Dr.MacMantazas a/k/a DR.WILLIAM McCORMICK, Pharm. D.
Dr.MacMantazas 02/03/16 - 08:29 am 71A Very Weak Response from Local Legislators on Fracking Bill!
The State of Florida could pass legislation addressing the impact of fracking without removing the ability of local governments to impose bans on fracking on property within their jurisdictions. The state's legislators complain about federally imposed regulations, while at the same time they remove controls from local governments within the state.
mikewoodruff 02/03/16 - 09:50 am 61Ms Stevenson
never saw an opportunity to exploit the environment for the economic benefit of the already wealthy she couldn't embrace.


martystaug 02/03/16 - 10:47 am 50Backyard Fracking
I have not read this legislation, but it sounds like this "study and regulation" and "common-sense regulatory framework" is just a smoke screen to prevent local entities from preventing fracking in their vicinity. So, if I decide to frack in my backyard, the city and my neighbors can't prevent it? I hope this legislation also includes the cost of plumbers installing filters in everyone's home, just like Flint Michigan.

melvinudall 02/03/16 - 10:50 am 51Frackin compliant
The Florida legislator had an opportunity to ban fracking in Florida, a house bill and senate bill, in 2013 and 2015, Both bills were killed or allow to die in committee.
I asked Ms Stevenson if she supported fracking in her district and in the Florida. She would not responded to that question.

E-mail her at cyndi.stevenson@myfloridahouse.gov or

Travis Hudson hutson.travis.web@flsenate.gov our state. senator

Linda Young, Executive Director Florida Clean Water Network, just posted an urgent ACTION ALERT on her website http://floridacleanwaternetwork.org/are-the-koch-brothers-behind-florida...
that makes a case for how and why the Koch brothers could be the driving force behind the Florida Legislature's rush to frack Florida. I urge you to read the short piece and take action immediately to stop the Florida Senate from passing SB318, a pro-fracking bill.

Firstcoaster 02/03/16 - 11:57 am 42Koch Brothers
Who cares if the Koch brothers are pushing this legislation? If George Soros was pushing this legislation would it be ok then? Are the politics what is most important?

Just oppose it!

DavidWiles 02/03/16 - 11:58 am 60look closely at common sense
Oh yes, just a common sense approach to public policy, whereby the regulatory processes to allow fracking are established and oversight is delimited to the private sector corporate 'honor' or state-level agencies controlled by the Executive. The article above puts the best face forward: confident and open smiles from the representatives of Districts 24 and 17 plus a laundry list of arguments that read like an oil & gas industry promotion.

Obviously, the local rubes would trust the 'study' aspects of the Department of Environmental Protection because, dog gone it, these folks have done so much for Florida state parks and Florida clean water regulations and would be just the agency that Governor Scott and 73 House members voting for Bill 191 would *trust.* And listing the chemicals and fluids that will be pumped into the ground with the threat of corporate fines for any water problems....like migrating fluids or eroding of limestone and karst strata. It is just smart public policy that any legislator representing NE Florida would want fracking as a corollary to salt water intrusion from water drawdown, sinkholes and diminished freshwater springs from an already threatened aquifer.

And please, Mr. Renner and Ms. Stevenson, do not blame 'partisan politics' or corporate investor threats for your formal vote on Bill 191. You two and Senator Hutson carried the memorandum about banning fracking from your local constituents to your legislative colleagues and esteemed Governor. You knew that your local taxpayers and voters (the vast majority GOP) had debated and formally voted against fracking in Florida. You also knew that 'home rule' governance is most important in both St. Johns and Flagler counties and your 191 legislation carries on the tradition of state-level governing at the disadvantage of local municipalities (counties, cities, townships).

As elected officials still in your early/novice years there is a good chance that your overall good personalities and campaign subsidies may well see you survive and flourish despite your pro-fracking votes. No one knows how local elections will be intermingled with state and national politics. But my guess is that being a loyal Republican (or Democrat or Independent) will not be enough for determning the fate of a large number of the 73 'fracker' voters in the House. As incumbents, there will be a special burden to show some sentiment for environment, especially water politics, and commitment to local governing and home rule. Oil and gas exploration is only one aspect of the entire spectrum of legislator expectations but, whether it is 'fracking' beneath the limestone or seismic air gun explosions underwater, it will be a major attention getter in 2016. That is just common sense.

melvinudall 02/03/16 - 01:57 pm 44Everyone should care about clean water
Everyone should care, and the issue of clean water should transcend politics but it doesn't.

The Koch bros contributed to and help elect many of the politicians who introduced this bill and the politicians who passed this bill in the state house. Are our state representatives and senators obligated to pursue the interest of the polluters or the interest of the people? The polluters are being represented... not the people. Just pass a bill banning fracking.

The Koch bros are one of the biggest polluters in our nation.

The Koch bros flew under the political radar with ALEX for many years and the damage was done. We can't let this happen with the environment.

lastcoast -As for your political hyperbole, Mr. Soros has nothing to do with polluting Fla. and your comment is an argument with yourself. If you could replace the Koch name with Soros name would it matter? Sure it would matter.

Jason Hamilton 02/03/16 - 02:49 pm 31Time to look past gas
The American constant grab for gas/oil has been to our detriment both politically and physically. It is a finite resource that we must break our addiction to. Not looking past gas/oil is egregiously short sited and ignorant. We need elected officials to be visionary so that we as a nation can be the innovators that blaze the trail out of fossil fuels. I wonder how ecological depression on a mass global scale will change humanity when people finally wake up to our reality? If we get to a point where most people feel like we have totally sealed our evolutionary fait then all hope will be lost. My fear is savagery will be the new black. Stay young and health in the coming decades for our species is electing a very bumpy ride.

sponger2 02/03/16 - 05:42 pm 50I can tell you this...
Anything with Stevenson's name on it is something you want to pick off the bottom of your shoe, rinse well, and disinfect before bringing into the house. I have dealt with her personally and can tell you she is about the lowest form of life that walks on two legs. If you have to deal with her like I did at a large local business, you may want to ask her: "Did my back hurt your knife?"