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One of the hot topics in this year's upcoming state legislative session is deciding whether or not to explore offshore oil drilling. The economic promises harvesting the liquid gold meets the challenges of maintaining a clean, safe environment for marine life. Conservationists and researchers warn of drilling dangers. Director of Florida State University's Coastal and Marine Lab, Felicia Coleman, says there are environmental impacts from any type of energy harvesting.

Seismic testing associated with the site drilling efforts show that gathering oil and gas from the Gulf could actually harm Florida's 6 billion dollar commercial and recreation fishing industries. Coleman says digging pipes under the ocean will damage the marine ecosystem. and harm ocean floor.

But proponents say offshore oil drilling can in fact be a safe venture. Associate director of the Florida Petroleum Council Eric Hamilton says off-shore drilling will benefit Floridians. He says Florida needs a steady supply of natural gas-- by 2017, 50% of our power plants will be running off natural gas by 2017. He says new technology will ensure the safety of Florida's coastal environment while drilling.

Both parties attended a scientific panel discussion earlier this week after Republican legislative leaders met last spring to lift Florida's two decade ban on oil drilling in Florida waters.