Fla. governor-elect rips Obama ban on oil drilling

Florida Governor-elect Rick Scott is blasting President Barack Obama's decision to ban oil drilling off the state's coast because of the BP spill.

Scott issued a statement saying Wednesday's decision is another example of the government regulation impeding economic growth.

The Republican businessman said drilling could be conducted safely if sound policies are implemented. There currently is no drilling off Florida.

Scott also said he was disappointed that Obama implemented the policy without consulting him.

Current Gov. Charlie Crist had earlier called the decision "wonderful news" that would be favorably received by the tourism industry and residents alike. Crist left the Republican Party last April to run for the U.S. Senate as an independent but lost.