Energy bill has Floridians nervous

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 22 (UPI) -- Florida officials are worried the energy bill as approved by the U.S. House will hurt the state's chances of preventing oil drilling along its coastline.

Some Florida leaders say allowing drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will open up their state's waters to exploration, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Friday.

The Senate will consider its energy bill in the next few weeks but already has approved drilling in the Alaska wildlife refuge.

The House bill would stop states from submitting information including impact on tourism or other economic factors to the Commerce Department during the decision process on drilling.

"It prevents the governor from saying what needs to be said in defense of the environment and economy of the state, said Rep. Jim Davis, D-Fla., a candidate for governor next year.

"This is a tremendous power grab by the federal government," Davis said. "Instead of the governor offering an informed judgment, some nameless person in a federal agency will make that decision."

Republican Gov. Jeb Bush agreed with Davis on the provision but did not actively oppose it.