Fracking Bills Filed In State House, Senate

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - After a fierce legislative debate early this year about fracking, a freshman senator has filed a proposal that would bar the use of the controversial oil and gas drilling technique in Florida.

Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Fort Lauderdale, filed the proposal (SB 98) a little more than a week after Rep. Evan Jenne, D-Dania Beach, filed a similar measure (HB 35) in the House. Farmer's bill is dubbed the "Stop Fracking Act."

The bills will be considered during the 2017 legislative session, which starts in March.

Fracking bills spurred a major battle during the 2016 session, with the issue ultimately dying in the Senate. While supporters said the 2016 bills would have created a needed regulatory framework, environmental groups contended the measures were aimed at opening the door to fracking.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.