PASSED: Hallandale FL Fracking Resolution (May 21) CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FL REGULAR AGENDA CITY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2014 6:00 PM 15. RESOLUTIONS E. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH OPPOSING HORIZONTAL OIL DRILLING AND HYDRAULIC FRACTURING (FRACKING) IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA IF ELECTED; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR JOY. F. COOPER) (STAFF: CITY CLERK) (SEE BACKUP) (Staff Report) Background The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a Consent Order against the Dan A. Hughes Oil Company for the unauthorized use of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Southwest Florida, which may cause contamination to the underground water aquifers that supply drinking water to municipal and county water systems, endangering the health and safety of residents. The Florida DEP Big Cypress Swamp Advisory Panel recommended denial of a permit application for horizontal oil drilling to the Dan A. Hughes Oil and Gas Company in Southwest Florida for inadequate safeguards to drinking water and for threatening the habitat of the federally-endangered species, the Florida Panther. However, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has issued a permit to the Tocala LLC company for oil exploration through seismic testing in 103,000 acres of the Florida Everglades, a habitat which supports the underground water aquifers for Broward County drinking water systems. The above two actions represent a trend from corporations wanting to join in the oil exploration within the state of Florida. Current Situation The City of Hallandale Beach believes in the preservation of natural resources as they play an important function in the health, safety and comfort of its residents. Research shows that horizontal oil drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) are a threat to the health and safety of the drinking water for Broward residents, and as such, a threat to the Community’s health and safety. The City of Hallandale Beach urges that the 2014 gubernatorial candidates pledge to oppose horizontal oil drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the state of Florida if elected governor. Why Action is Necessary Approval of this resolution will reinforce the City of Hallandale Beach’s position on taking necessary measures to safeguard Florida’s drinking water supply. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with passage of this Resolution. Proposed Action: The City Commission to approve a resolution urging the 2014 Gubernatorial Democratic Primary candidates to pledge opposition to horizontal oil drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the State of Florida if elected Governor.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Jun 2014 00:11:50 +0000
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