a very reasonable compromise between those who support further development ... to meet our growing energy demands and the citizens of Florida who oppose drilling in the waters off their coastline.

Our approach has been to have a balanced energy policy, and today's decision indicates that balance. ... This does allow us to prevent the most immediate, most in-shore area of potential oil and gas development.

We also know that China and India, as their economies ramp up, are using more and more energy.

We do have serious energy needs for the country, we are aware that natural gas is especially in demand because of its air quality benefits: 90 percent of new power plants have been natural gas-powered.

In most states, this was a matter of political compromise. Because there wasn't support across the board for charter schools, the opposition was concerned they would expand rapidly and this was to make sure they don't.

The developers, if they decide to move a tortoise, have to pay the long-term costs for enhancing the areas that take care of the tortoise, and it gives us the opportunity to manage an area that is going to be protected.