EPA Urged to Approve State Water Rules by 42 Florida Groups

A letter from 42 business groups and agricultural interests asks Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to approve, in their entirety, the Florida Department of Environmental Protections water quality standards approved by the state Legislature, signed by Gov. Rick Scott, and supported even by Florida Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.

Below is the letter and associations that signed:

Dear Administrator Jackson:

Recently, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection transmitted to the EPA tough, responsible and cost-effective new numeric nutrient criteria for Florida waters. We are writing to request the Environmental Protection Agency provide timely approval of these new rules in their entirety. This action takes a giant step toward ending an era of perpetual litigation on this issue and allows Florida to expedite efforts to protect our states waters under the new rules developed by our state.

After many months of debate, scientific study and careful consideration by Floridas environmental regulators, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (with unanimous approval of the states Environmental Regulatory Commission) has approved new state rules to protect the precious water bodies that give our state its unique charm and character. The new state rules will do an outstanding job protecting Floridas lakes, streams and springs from nutrient pollution while avoiding unnecessary costs on Floridas employers and households.

With the EPA's rules related to streams and rivers recently set aside by a federal judge, it is critical for EPA to move to put these Florida-written rules in place. The full implementation of the rule that is before you now establishes tough standards that will accomplish strong water-quality protection goals.

When it comes to addressing issues related to protecting water quality, the state of Florida has done everything that has been asked of it by the EPA. Our leaders found a Florida-driven solution to preserving our beautiful resources while protecting household budgets at a time when so many of our residents and businesses still struggle with a difficult economy. This is a smart and cost-effective approach to regulation.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott recently signed legislation unanimously approved by the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate to move this process forward and bring this issue to closure so our state can get on with the business of safeguarding our water resources. We ask that you let Florida be responsible for protecting its water bodies in a way thats best for Florida and its people. We encourage you to approve the Florida rules in their entirety.

Sincerely,

Associated Industries of Florida

Association of Florida Community Developers

CF Industries

City Of Altamonte Springs

FSAWWA Utility Council

Florida Association of Counties

Florida Beverage Association

Florida Cattlemens Association

Florida Chamber of Commerce

Florida Citrus Mutual

Florida Electric Cooperative Association

Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group EC

Florida Engineering Society

Florida Farm Bureau Federation

Florida Fertilizer & Agrichemical Association

Florida Forestry Association

Florida Fruit & Vegetables Association

Florida Gulf Coast Building & Construction Trades Council

Florida Home Builders Association

Florida Land Council

Florida League of Cities

Florida Nursery Growers & Landscapers Association

Florida Pest Management Association

Florida Poultry Federation

Florida Pulp & Paper Association

Florida Rural Water Association

Florida Section American Water Works Association Utility Council

Florida Water Environmental Association Utility Council

Florida Water Quality Coalition Inc.

Floridians for Industry, Jobs & Growth

Gulf Citrus Growers Association

International Food & Commercial Workers Union

Manufacturers of Florida

Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association

PCS Phosphate, White Springs

South Walton Utility Company Inc.

Southeast Milk Inc.

Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida

The Catalina Group Inc.

The Fertilizer Institute

United Food & Commercial Workers Union

United States Sugar Corp.