Statements from AIF, Florida Farm Bureau Federation and Florida League of Cities Regarding EPA Action on Florida Numeric Nutrient Criteria
Contact: Ryan Banfill
(850) 222-1996
Statements from AIF, Florida Farm Bureau Federation and the Florida League of Cities Regarding EPA Action on Florida Numeric Nutrient Criteria
December 1, 2012
Tallahassee — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency late Friday night announced its approval of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) water protection rules. The agency also announced a decision to issue new federal rules on a number of Florida waters not covered by the FDEP’s rules.
In expressing disappointment in this part of the EPA’s action, the FDEP pledged to work with EPA to “craft solutions that will allow the State to assume all nutrient criteria rulemaking in Florida.”
In response to last night’s action, the following statements have been issued by Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and the Florida League of Cities, who have been part of a coalition of Florida stakeholders including agriculture, employers, local governments, utilities, unions and others:
Statement from Associated Industries of Florida President & CEO Tom Feeney:
“Florida has long been a leader in state water quality programs. Associated Industries of Florida is pleased by the EPA’s validation of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) water quality standards, which reflect the FDEP’s years of hard work and research on Numeric Nutrient Criteria. The EPA’s stamp of approval on the Florida science backing the standards developed by FDEP is encouraging as the state will need to continue to work with the Agency on new proposed regulations impacting our waterways.”
Statement from Florida Farm Bureau Federation President John Hoblick:
“Florida Farm Bureau Federation has been highly encouraged with the positive actions of FDEP to develop a rule that balances substantive water quality efforts with economic stability. EPA’s recent action recognizes that FDEP’s scientific methodology best addresses the state’s water quality, but Farm Bureau is concerned that EPA decided to impose federal rules on water bodies that lack both the study and science to force such limits. Agriculture has long been an advocate for water quality by incorporating scientifically based Best Management Practices (BMP’s) into their farm operations. “
Statement from Florida League of Cities Legislative Director Scott Dudley:
“On behalf of Florida’s 410 cities I would like to thank the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for its efforts to develop responsible and attainable water quality goals for Florida’s waters. These water quality standards will both protect Florida’s waters and avoid billions of dollars in costs born by Florida’s cities, residents, and businesses that would have resulted from complete passage of the federal rule. After a lengthy legal battle it is clear that the State of Florida is best equipped to protect its water quality.”
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