Home  News Local News Crist flip-flops on offshore drilling
|
Crist flip-flops on offshore drilling |
|
|
|
|
Sunday, 22 June 2008 |
Tallahassee - Gov. Charlie Crist withdrew his staunch support for the federal government’s moratorium on offshore drilling and on Tuesday endorsed Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain's plan to leave the decision up to individual states.
Crist said he changed position on the issue due to the hike in fuel prices. "I mean, let's face it, the price of gas has gone through the roof and Florida families are suffering," Crist said. "And my heart bleeds for them."
But Democrats are rebuffing McCain’s proposal, pointing out that countries that engage in offshore drilling are charging higher prices than the US, and that oil companies have not fully used their current leases.
The governor last year lobbied for federal lawmakers to reject the legislation and was successful in preventing drilling about 45 miles of the coast of Florida. Crist has also supported the stance when he ran for the seat in 2006.
Pundits are wondering if Crist is moving in lockstep with McCain since he is being considered for the vice presidency, since most Florida politicians have historically opposed any legislation that supports drilling. In Florida, a state that depends largely on its beaches for its tourism, it is feared that drilling may negatively affect the beaches which would also negatively affect the tourism economy.
Democrats are also saying that more offshore drilling would not affect world market prices, but would increase the profits for the already rich oil companies.
Crist said while Florida is a tourist state and its beauty has to be protected, its people should be able to drive here and be able to afford it.
|
|
|
|
