8/28: Offshore oil drilling debate gets heated

FLORIDA: Tallahassee Democrat: Offshore oil drilling debate gets heated

Barney Bishop, president of Associated Industries of Florida, and Leon County Commissioner Bob Rackleff, a well-known environmentalist, debated AIF's plan for drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Bishop says a 'radical left-wing fringe' of voters is stopping the state from cashing in on offshore oil drilling. Reckleff says the oil industry is trying to dazzle the voters by dangling 20,000 new jobs and $1.4 billion in state revenues.

Both, however, agree that solar and wind power, increased conservation, or higher fuel taxes are not feasible solutions in the near term.

In 2006, polls showed 51% of those polled supported oil exploration if rigs were 125 miles from the coast. Now, in 2009, the figure is about 75%. The debate continues.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Deep budget cuts possible for school system

ARKANSAS: Green Party sues state challenging decertification as a political party

GEORGIA: State to get $9.3 million for energy-efficient appliance program

KENTUCKY: State cuts 4% from budget of most agencies

LOUISIANA: Opinion: The state of New Orleans: An Update
"This year, the Gulf Coast’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina has become President Obama’s responsibility. How bad a situation has he inherited?"

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour wants reversal on civil justice decision

NORTH CAROLINA: Report says state tax increases don't cause job losses

SOUTH CAROLINA: 45% of state's banks have posted losses

TENNESSEE: Pre-paid tuition plan may get suspended

VIRGINIA: Rep. Moran defends the public option on health care

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