The final rules for EPA’s numeric nutrient criteria for Florida’s waters are published and don’t differ much from the proposal released back in January. But Staci Braswell with the Florida Farm Bureau Federation says thankfully the 168 page rule does allow for a delayed implementation period.
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Florida Farm Bureau Director of Government and Community Affairs Staci Braswell reports that EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson has signed off (Nov. 14) on the final rule which will establish numeric nutrient water quality standards for Florida’s lakes and flowing waters. Two days earlier, several newly elected officials, including Governor-elect Rick Scott, Attorney General-elect Pam Bondi and Commissioner of Agriculture-elect Adam Putnam, sent Jackson a letter expressing their concerns with the proposed rule. These new standards will become effective 15 months from now, allowing the agricultural industry, cities, towns, businesses, utilities, the state of Florida and others a full opportunity to review the standards and develop strategies for implementation.
FFB President John Hoblick said that the delay in implementation was due in large part not only to the requests of scientists and elected leaders but also a result of the testimony provided by scores of Farm Bureau members at the six EPA hearings held earlier this year. Other leaders who weighed in had this to say:
Governor-elect Rick Scott: “I am pleased the EPA decided not to mandate new water quality restrictions on the state before we could fully assess the economic impact. As governor, I will make it a priority to ensure that science, not politics, drives the protection of our state’s most precious natural resources.”
Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos: “While we appreciate the delay, Florida will continue to fight these heavy-handed Washington, D.C. measures. Clearly the Florida-only water standards will cost Floridians jobs and I will do everything I can to not just delay this unneeded federal intervention but permanently stop them from taking effect.”
U.S. Sen. George LeMieux: “While I welcome the EPA’s decision to delay the implementation of this rule for 15 months, I remain concerned about the unanswered questions surrounding the cost of implementation and the scientific basis for the ruling.”
Source: Ed Albanesi, Florida Farm Bureau, Fast Facts, Vol. 18, No. 12, November 19, 2010