Floridas political leadership -- regardless of party -- this week demonstrated virtually unanimous support of Florida's proposed numeric nutrient water standards over standards promulgated for the Sunshine State by Obama's Environmental Protection Agency.
Even Florida Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who had shown little inclination to enter the fray until now, sent a letter to EPA administrator Lisa Jackson on Wednesday, praising Florida's Department of Environmental Protection standards passed unanimously by the state Legislature earlier in the month and signed into law by Republican Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday.
He urged Jackson "to promptly review and approve the FDEP rule."
Nelson insisted, I believe that ultimately this process will result in an outcome that provides clean water and a healthy environment without undue economic hardship for Floridians."
He said, The FDEP has excellent water-quality data, and the state is uniquely positioned to develop a rule that is both practical to implement and based on substantial data. I support the FDEPs efforts. This rule was the product of strong scientific inquiry and consideration of public comment, and you will find that many of the water-quality standards mirror those proposed in the EPA rule. I urge you to promptly review and approve the FDEP rule.
(See the senator's letter in the attachment below.)
Nelson was not the only federal official from the Sunshine State who took aim at the proposed federal standards this week. Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio announced Thursday that he was introducing a companion measure to Florida Republican Congressman Steve Southerlands bill, forcing the EPA to adopt the states water standards.The bill, titled the State Waters Partnership Act, would ensure the EPA follows the standards that passed the state Legislature.
Florida has one of the most aggressive water-quality protection programs in the nation implemented by the people who know our state best, and its time the EPA stop bullying us into accepting another Washington-contrived mandate that would devastate job creation," Rubio said in a statement.
This legislation simply reaffirms that states and the federal government should be partners in making sure our water is clean, and prevents Washington overreaches from harming our economy. The EPA needs to step back and realize that Florida will not simply stand by as their policies negatively impact Floridas consumers, agriculture producers, municipalities, small businesses and other job creators.
State officials insisted Thursday that the proposals Scott signed into law would help protect Floridas economy and environment.
Scott himself said, Today, I signed legislation paving the way for Florida to present the state's rules for numeric nutrient standards in Florida's water bodies to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for final approval. ... Once approved by EPA, they will further enhance the states nationally recognized nutrient control programs.
Other state officials also weighed in, cheering the governor for signing the bill and Floridas congressional delegation for taking on the proposed standards.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, noting that her office has opposed the federal government imposing its regulations, stated plainly that Florida has always had the best expertise and resources to determine how to protect our waters.
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam said, I would like to thank the governor for his swift action to ensure the EPAs costly rules were not implemented, as they could have been detrimental to our states agriculture industry and business community. I also support Senator Rubios efforts to block the overreaching arm of the EPA. Florida has already demonstrated a commitment to protecting its water supply by applying sound science and establishing attainable goals. I look forward to working with landowners and business owners to continue Floridas already proven record in assessing the health and enhancing the quality of our states bodies of water.
Every Democrat in the state House and Senate voted for the FDEP standands over Obama's EPA standards.
Mark Hollis, spokesman for the Democratic membership in the Florida House, said, "Though we didn't have an official caucus position on the bill, nearly all caucus members supported it.
"I recall hearing floor remarks by Miami Representative Luis Garcia saying he didn't support prior nutrient criteria legislation," Hollis said, "but he supports the bill the governor signed because it establishes rules that the state and federal governments agree will expedite necessary oversight."
State Sen. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, who chairs the Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee, which pushed the law, insisted on Thursday that the new law would quickly allow the state to move on and not be forced to cope with the proposed federal standards, which critics insist will be expensive and very tough to implement.
Id like to thank Governor Scott for signing the Numeric Nutrient Standards Ratification bill today, said Dean. His quick action continues the momentum, so DEP can submit its rules to the EPA quickly for the review process. Florida is one step closer to replacing unreasonable federal standards with a unitary, state-run nutrient program designed to protect public health and preserve Florida ecosystems.
The states business community also chimed in on the matter, praising elected officials from both parties for pushing back against the proposed federal standards.
Florida is a leader in job creation and water standards, and the last thing Florida needs is yet another job-killing regulation from Washington, Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, stated in a release.
Free enterprise works best with clear rules and Senator Rubios legislation will make sure the rules set by Florida, for Florida, will be implemented in Florida.
Tom Feeney, Associated Industries of Florida president, stated Thursday that Floridas nutrient rules offer the most achievable and cost-effective way to balance the need for clean water with the diversity of Floridas water resources.
Weve done the research and we have the data we need to accomplish the correct numeric nutrient criteria for our state. ... Additionally, we recognize the efforts of Senator Bill Nelson, who yesterday called upon the EPA to consider the Florida Department of Environmental Protections request to implement a practical, state-run nutrient control program.
The DEP numeric nutrient rules, recently passed by the Florida Legislature and signed today by Gov. Rick Scott, offer the most achievable and cost-effective way to balance the need for clean water with the diversity of Floridas water resources, Feeney said in conclusion.
A state study has estimated that the state proposal would cost utility customers and impacted companies between $51 million and $150 million a year, while placing the federal impact between $298 million and $4.7 billion. While the EPA's own estimate for its costs is vastly lower than state projection, the numbers still significantly top the state's, with the federal agency putting its impacts between $135 million to $206 million a year.
The environmental law firm Earthjustice, representing groups such as the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, St. Johns Riverkeeper, and the Sierra Club, has filed suit, contending the EPA has failed to force the state to comply with the federal Clean Water Act.
An administrative hearing is set to begin Feb. 27 to review whether the federal or state government should set water-nutrient criteria.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com and Nancy Smith at nsmith@sunshinestatenews.com; or either at (850) 727-0859. Kevin Derby contributed to this story.
