From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today issued the following statement regarding the passage of a comprehensive water policy bill by the Florida Senate’s Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation. The committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 552, which was brought forth by Committee Chairman Charlie Dean. The House companion bill is sponsored by Rep. Matt Caldwell and unanimously passed its first committee on Oct. 22.
“Water is Florida’s ‘golden goose,’ and ensuring we have a healthy and abundant supply of water to meet our future needs is Florida’s biggest long-term challenge. The passage of this key water policy bill today, and its companion in the House of Representatives two weeks ago, demonstrates the Florida Legislature’s commitment to addressing this critical challenge. The time to act on water policy is now, not when we are in a crisis responding to a severe drought or an active hurricane season.
“I thank Senator Dean, the entire Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation, and Representative Caldwell for their support of legislation that will help us achieve Florida’s water needs. I also thank Senate President Gardiner and Speaker Crisafulli for their leadership on meeting Florida’s future water needs.”