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Crist Drops Support Of Offshore Drilling Ban

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By CATHERINE DOLINSKI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 17, 2008

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Charlie Crist said today that his support of Sen. John McCain's plan to lift the federal moratorium on off-shore oil drilling has nothing to do with McCain's consideration of him as a vice presidential candidate.

Crist was responding to McCain's proposal to lift the federal ban in favor of "respecting state's rights" to decide for themselves. The governor, told reporters today that he approves of the plan and is willing to consider drilling off Florida's Gulf coast, a change in position that first appeared this morning in the St. Petersburg Times.

"What we ought to be willing to do is study it," Crist said at the Capitol at midday. "Reaching a conclusion about what is right or not right at this juncture is hard to do."

Crist denied that his position represented an about-face from his longtime opposition to drilling, but outraged environmentalists said otherwise.

"It's a huge disappointment, and a big flip-flop," said Mark Ferrulo, director of Progress Florida and past director of Environment Florida.

Crist cited soaring prices at the gas pumps as the reason for his evolving views on the issue.

Asked if it has anything to do with contending for the no.2 slot on McCain's presidential ticket, Crist said simply, "no."

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