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St. Augustine Senator Files Bill Targeting Local Regulation Of Energy Projects

State Senator Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine
News Service of Florida
State Senator Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine

A proposal filed in the Florida Senate would prevent local governments from regulating construction of a wide range of energy-related projects involving electricity and such things as natural gas and petroleum.

Senate Regulated Industries Chairman Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, filed the proposal Wednesday, which would give the state regulatory control of “energy infrastructure” projects.

The bill (SB 856) - known as a “preemption” bill - would prevent local governments from passing ordinances or regulations that could prevent or restrict the “construction of new or the expansion, upgrading, or repair of existing energy infrastructure.”

The measure is filed for consideration during the legislative session that will start March 2.