Conceptual rendering of American Renewables proposed plant in Gainesville A biomass power plant proposed by Gainesville was narrowly approved Thursday by the Florida Public Service Commission after nearly being voted down in February. The commission split 3-2 in favor of the plant. Gainesville Regional Utilities requested a determination of need for the 100-megawatt plant that […]

BP on Wednesday began its “top kill” procedure for trying to stop an oil well leak in the Gulf of Mexico that threatens Florida’s coast. There was no word whether the procedure was working. The top kill involves pumping dense oil drilling “mud” and concrete through a malfunctioning blow-out preventer device. A BP official said

Gov. Charlie Crist says he is giving HB 1565 regarding agency rule-making “a close look” as he considers whether to sign the bill or veto it in response to opposition. Crist has until Friday to sign the bill, which would require the Legislature to approve agency rules that cost economic growth in excess of $1

Opponents of a proposed biomass gas electric plant in Gainesville are asking the Public Service Commission to delay an expected decision on Thursday because of a new federal rule dealing with greenhouse gas emissions. The needs determination for the American Renewables plant proposed by Gainesville Regional Utilities is being watched closely by supporters and opponents

Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet on Tuesday approved the purchase of a 782-acre conservation easement in Osceola County that a ranching family said will help it stay in the cattle business. Adams Ranch covers 33,000 acres and includes some virtually undisturbed areas that provide habitat for numerous threatened wildlife species, according to the Florida

Gov. Charlie Crist announced Tuesday afternoon that Florida received $25 million from BP for advertising, offsetting criticism earlier in the day from a state senator that the governor wasn’t doing enough in response to the spill. At the state Emergency Operations Center, Crist announced shortly after 4 p.m. the receipt of the $25-million wire transfer

Supporters of beach sand replacement projects are welcoming a $15.5 million appropriation in the 2010-11 state budget approved by the Legislature. Gov. Charlie Crist did not request any new money for the projects but supported using $5 million in unspent money from prior year projects. The 2010-11 budget includes $10.5 million in new general revenue

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink on Monday asked President Barack Obama to direct the federal government to take away control by BP over the response to the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Sink also asked the president to send top administration officials to brief the state Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday.

The land application of sewage sludge, called biosolids, would be further restricted under rule revisions adopted last week by the state Environmental Regulation Commission. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposed rule revisions in 2009 because of increasing public concerns about environmental and health threats posed by the spreading of biosolids on farm fields and

Panama City and Bay County’s new airport opens Sunday amid pomp and gala with state officials visiting on Saturday. Gov. Charlie Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum, Sen. Bill Nelson, Sen. George LeMieux and members of the local legislative delegation are expected to attend. The Northwest Florida Beaches Airport will have a 10,000-foot runway and is