Florida’s agriculture, tourism and global market attractiveness are based on our natural environmental assets. That is why the Florida Chamber of Commerce supports science-based water quality standards that protect our state’s natural resources, as well as Florida’s right to govern and establish rules on our state’s unique water bodies.
We’ve said all along that Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) should be setting nutrient limits on Florida’s water bodies. Florida has a comprehensive excess nutrient program and a long track-record of helping to ensure the health of our state’s waterways. As Florida moves forward with this rulemaking effort, it is our hope that Washington will rescind its over-reaching and expensive regulatory mandate.
No one knows Florida’s water better than Floridians, and allowing Florida’s DEP to establish nutrient limits is the right thing to do.
The Florida Chamber supports the creation of science-based, water body specific, water quality standards that will protect Florida’s natural resources and promote sustainable economic growth.
The Florida Chamber also supports state water policies that will continue to protect the natural environment, as well as:
Numeric Nutrient Criteria (HB 7051)
Averting a federal government effort to force an indefensible, multi-billion dollar water tax on Florida businesses and consumers, lawmakers passed a Florida Chamber-backed science-based water quality bill that protects Florida’s natural resources and promotes sustainable economic growth.
Florida is a leader in job creation and water standards. The last thing Florida needs is yet another job killing regulations from Washington. To protect Florida’s goal of a unitary, state-run water program, lawmakers unanimously approved HB 7051 by Rep. Matt Caldwell (R-Ft. Myers) – Numeric Nutrient Criteria water rules established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Governor Scott signed the bill into law on February 17, 2012 and the new law is being reviewed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency for review.
Reclaimed Water
Businesses will have greater regulatory certainty to make investments in water treatment plants and can provide customers alternative water supply resources under a reclaimed water bill backed by the Florida Chamber and passed during the 2012 Legislative Session.
One of the first bills in Florida’s history to address the regulation and use of reclaimed water, HB 639 by Rep. Dana Young (R-Tampa) and SB 1086 by Sen. Rene Garcia (R-Hialeah) confirms that reclaimed water is an alternative water supply, eligible for benefits under this designation and encourages needed infrastructure to reap the benefits of reclaimed water. Additionally, water management districts will be prohibited from requiring a permit for the use of reclaimed water.
Approximately 660 million gallons of reclaimed water is used every day. Almost the same amount is flushed out to sea each day because the infrastructure to get it to families and businesses is not in place. This legislation awaits Governor Scott’s signature.
Building on an aggressive multi-year jobs agenda, the Florida Legislature supported 25 Florida Chamber-backed pro-business, pro-jobs bills – further reducing the cost of doing business, the number of burdensome regulations for Florida’s job creators and reforming Florida’s fraudulent auto insurance (PIP) system.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce is actively involved in supporting efforts to create science-based water quality standards that will protect Florida’s natural resources and promote sustainable economic growth. However, the Florida Chamber does not support federal government efforts to force an indefensible, multi-billion dollar water tax on businesses and water customers. The Florida Chamber is [...]
The Florida Chamber of Commerce is actively involved in supporting efforts to create science-based water quality standards that will protect Florida’s natural resources and promote sustainable economic growth. However, the Florida Chamber does not support federal government efforts to force an indefensible, multi-billion dollar water tax on businesses and water customers. The Florida Chamber is [...]
