Hillsborough County Commissioners pass unanimous resolution against fracking

Media Releases

Media Contacts
Jennifer Rubiello

Environment Florida

TAMPA, Fla. – The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners voted late this morning on a resolution against fracking. The resolution opposes some of the most egregious parts of Senate Bill 318, including the preemption of local governments’ ability to regulate all facets of oil and gas extraction and exploration. The resolution also opposes the Department of Environmental Protection’s inability to disclose chemicals used in the fracking process that are deemed trade secrets.

“The bills speeding through the state legislature are a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” said Jennifer Rubiello, state director with Environment Florida. “Local governments should retain the right to protect the health and environment of their residents. We’re thankful that Hillsborough County has joined over 64 other local governments in Florida in opposition to these deceptive bills. We hope Senator Lee will listen want this risky drilling in Hillsborough or Florida.”

Hillsborough County will join 64 cities and counties in Florida that have passed resolutions or ordinances opposing fracking. Local residents, doctors, students, parents and more rallied statewide early in the week calling on the state legislature to vote against SB 318 and ban fracking.

Senator Tom Lee, whose district lies in Hillsborough, chairs the Appropriations Committee, will decide whether or no to hear SB 318 next.