TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Gov. Charlie Crist says he is "open
minded" about a bill that would let him and his Cabinet OK oil
drilling within 10 miles of Florida's Gulf Coast.
The moderate Republican governor has built a reputation as an
advocate of environmental causes. But Crist said Wednesday the
state needs to study allowing more drilling.
Crist first softened his opposition to drilling last year, when
gas prices rose above $4 a gallon. However, even then Crist said he
wouldn't want rigs too close to Florida beaches.
A House bill (HB 1219) would repeal the ban on offshore drilling
in waters controlled by the state. The governor and Cabinet could
vote to lease submerged land for drilling.