Florida State University hosts offshore oil drilling symposium

TALLAHASSEE - A Florida State University institute examining energy issues is hosting a symposium on offshore drilling, and drilling opponents question whether the discussion is slanted toward the oil industry.

Most of the speakers at today's symposium are from oil producing states, and that makes clean energy advocates question whether they are pro-oil.

The institute's director, Dave Cartes, says organizers went out of their way to find objective scholars to talk about the logistics of drilling near Florida's coast.     

Still, Audubon Florida lobbyist Eric Draper points out that Cartes has said drilling off Florida is needed.

Susan Glickman, who represents the Natural Resources Defense Council, also has concerns that the symposium isn't an unbiased perspective.

The symposium will be held today at FSU's University Center Club. Tickets are $50. The deadline to register for tickets was Oct. 30.