A fisherman checks the lines on his boat as he trolls the Gulf of Mexico near a natural gas well off the Alabama coast. With fossil fuel imports rising, prices soaring and the offshore-drilling ban expiring in 2012, the industry believes the time is right to press an issue that is has traditionally faced stiff opposition from many environmentalists and coastal states. (AP)

In a historic vote that drove home the changing politics of off-shore drilling in Florida, the Republican-dominated House voted to take the first step toward opening the state’s coastline to oil and gas rigs.

The proposal, which lets the governor and Florida Cabinet allow drilling between three and 10.5 miles off the coast, now moves to the Senate, where support is less likely. Republican leaders in that chamber say the measure appeared too late in the session to receive a thorough debate, said Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales.

But that problem didn’t slow the House, where Republicans dominated a largely partisan 70-43 vote.

Reps. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda of Tallahassee and Debbie Boyd of Newberry were the only Democrats to support the bill (HB 1219). Three Republicans opposed the bill: Bill Galvano of Bradenton, Jim Frishe of St. Petersburg and Ed Hooper of Clearwater.

The issue has traditionally fallen along geographic lines, with coastal politicians voicing the loudest opposition.

That sentiment started changing last year when Republican Gov. Charlie Crist said he would support offshore drilling in Florida after Republican presidential nominee John McCain made it an issue in his campaign.

On Monday, Crist said he was concerned about drilling too close to the coast, but said he would consider the House’s proposal, pushed by Speaker-designate Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park. Listen here Cannon explain his support of the bill.

But Crist urged the Senate to keep it separate from an alternative energy package the chamber is considering.

“Each of those ideas can stand on their own merit,” Crist said.

A 30-second television ad from Florida Energy Solutions Coalition appeared on airwaves last weekend supporting the measure. The group, which is the Florida Petroleum Council and Associated Industries of Florida, said more drilling could help reduce the state’s 9.7 percent unemployment rate.

Tags: beaches, offshore drilling, State House

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