Sen. Bill Nelson bashes latest drilling plan

Channel 10, Tampa Bay

June 12, 2009

Tampa, Florida - At the Florida Aquarium Friday morning Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, got a look at a baby alligator. But he says "big oil" is what's really trying to take a bite out of the state.

"The oil boys are at it again," Nelson said of the latest developments in Washington.

On Tuesday, the Senate energy committee approved a plan to allow oil and gas drilling off Florida's west coast. Under the amendment to the energy bill, drilling could take place 45 miles from Pinellas beaches and just 10 miles in the Panhandle.

"We can't allow big oil to trash Florida's environment and its economy," says Nelson, who vows to fight the plan, even if it means a filibuster.

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