Welcome to

Environmentalists and representative of the oil industry are filling the capitol halls and fueling the offshore drilling debate.

Florida House Democrats invited both sides to a working luncheon to inform members about the issue. A commission dedicated to responsible growth launched a fact finding mission on drilling in state waters yesterday. Governor Charlie Crist says it’s time for lawmakers to take a serious look at offshore drilling and whether or not it can be done safely.

“I grew up in Tampa Bay, I’m a Gulf Coast guy, and I believe in protecting our beaches. I also believe in us being energy independent, so long as we can do it in a way that is safe and protects Florida’s beaches. But if there is a way that we can participate in having more fuel domestically produce so that we are less dependant on foreign oil so we can manage to keep the cost down as opposed to the four dollars a gallon we had last year then I think it is worth looking at,” said Crist.

Tomorrow Democratic lawmakers will file legislation aimed at leaving decisions on coastal drilling up to the state. The legislature is expected to vote on oil drilling legislation during the 2010 legislative session.