A leadership shuffle in the Florida Senate is lifting the hopes of anti-fracking activists.

A statewide ban on the controversial drilling method stalled last session in an environmental spending committee when the Republican chairman refused to hear it.

But the new committee chair is Democratic Senator Lauren Book, a ban co-sponsor. Book says she will support the bill if it reaches her panel.

“We are continuing to look at that issue, because, again, our environment is a national treasure and we must do all that we can to make sure that it is being kept safe.”

The more conservative House, where the Florida Petroleum Council has greater sway, remains a major obstacle. The lower chamber has repeatedly refused to hear a statewide fracking ban.

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