Topic: Municipal Utilities

Some legislative leaders and pundits say there will be a focus on water in the 2014 legislative session but it looks increasingly like the focus will be on money -- for environmental protection and restoration.

As natural gas prices stay low, state leaders' impetus for diversifying Florida's energy supply is fading. House Speaker Will Weatherford said the whole debate about energy has changed because of low gas prices, but Weatherford and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam warn that Florida remains vulnerable to possible future price increases.

Elected officials' annual financial disclosures are due Tuesday, Gulf Power Co.'s rate increase request has two PSC hearings, State Rep. Janet H. Adkins holds a legislative hearing to discuss laws related to sexual offenders and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission meets in Pensacola to discuss and take action on fisheries issues.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam set the stage for low expectations by not offering recommendations for energy legislation. But debate was expected on the 2006 nuclear cost recovery law after Progress Energy Florida, now Duke Energy, decided to shut down its crippled Crystal River nuclear plant. And who would have expected debate over "fracking" in Florida?