According to an article published earlier this week in The New York Times, something people would have thought impossible a few years ago, when the price of gasoline as well above $4 a gallon, has been happening of late. U.S. oil refineries have been closing. There hasn't been a refinery built in this country since 1979, but a prolonged drop in the demand for gasoline by U.S. motorists over the last few years has produced excess refining capacity that is being idled. The lengthy recession is credited with much of the slump in demand, but more fuel-efficient vehicles could be playing a role as well. ...more

December 30, 2009

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Texas and Alabama get far less money every year from offshore drilling in their state waters than advocates say Florida can expect, the state's environmental chief told a House panel Wednesday. ...more

October 21, 2009

One of Gov. Charlie Crist's top priorities may be in trouble on the final day before lawmakers turn their focus on a budget agreement. ...more

May 1, 2009

The House, responding to growing public demand for more domestic energy, voted Wednesday to end a quarter-century ban on oil and natural gas drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, giving Republicans a major victory on energy policy. ...more

September 25, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY Opinions vary among some West Pasco leaders on the topic of possible oil and natural gas drilling off the Florida coast. ...more

June 19, 2008