Steve Southerland: EPA Could Cost Florida 14,500 Jobs

Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland took aim at federal regulations on business at the end of last week, arguing that they hurt businesses in the Sunshine State -- including regulations coming from the EPA.

The case against overregulation could not be made any clearer than in the state of Florida, said Southerland. Later this year, as the EPA allies with environmental activists to impose crippling numeric nutrient regulations for Floridas rivers and lakes, our businesses and local governments will undoubtedly feel the pain. Studies show that these scientifically unsound and unnecessary regulations could destroy more than 14,500 Florida agriculture jobs and force up to $21 billion in mandates upon already cash-strapped local governments to overhaul their water treatment facilities.

Enough is enough, added Southerland.It is time to get Washington out of the way so that our small businesses can grow and create jobs. I will continue to lead and support responsible efforts to shrink government, cut spending, and put North and Northwest Floridians back to work.