Lawmakers debate regulations for fracking in Florida

Fracking could become more common in coming years

In this March 29, 2013, file photo, workers tend to a well head during a hydraulic fracturing operation outside Rifle, in western Colorado. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)

TALLAHASSEE – Fracking, the process of drilling and using chemicals to extract natural gas, could become more common in Florida during the coming years. A local representative's bill would set statewide regulations for the process and has made it to the House floor.

"What my bill does is it puts a moratorium in place that says nobody is going to frack until we have time to study it and that study is peer reviewed and we actually have some data to make a decision on it," said Rep. Ray Rodrigues.

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But even entertaining the idea of fracking rubs environmentalists and Democrats the wrong way. Ray Kemble traveled down from Pennsylvania, a heavily fracked state, to show lawmakers his well water this week.

"I challenge any lawmaker to drink this," Kemble said.

Can Florida land handle fracking? Rep. Even Jenne has been trying to ban the practice for years.

"On any level, whether it’s health concerns, environmental concerns, financial concerns, economic concerns. everything points to this being a God-awful idea," Jenne said.

Another concern, from Republicans, is what kind of say local governments have.

"I think that if a local government is concerned and has a unique geography and they don’t want to see fracking, their voice ought to really, really matter," Rep. Matt Gaetz said.

The bill originally pre-empted local authority, but a compromise gave local governments some power to pass zoning ordinances. Cities across Florida have already voted to ban fracking.