tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82971589199179991852012-01-12T00:17:37.273-05:00Environmental News from Florida's capital by Bruce RitchieBruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.comBlogger6531100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-50634419802916963752011-10-22T17:42:00.003-04:002011-10-22T17:45:06.392-04:00

Some said they felt welcomed by the Society of Environmental Journalists, others felt marginalized by the organization.More than 100 protestors for varying causes held signs, beat drums and chanted Saturday at a "Rally for the Environment" in a park outside the International Hotel in Miami, site of SEJ's national conference.Ana Campos of Fort Lauderdale described herself as one of the "culprits"

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-24317917044893010842011-09-12T22:32:00.005-04:002011-09-12T22:48:09.483-04:00

E. Thom Rumberger was remembered Monday as a champion of the Everglades who was gracious and effective while also helping build the modern Republican Party in Florida.Read more at the new Floridaenvironments.com.(Photo by Mark Wallheiser/markwallheiser.com, used with permission.)

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-8311562472213062262011-08-25T14:19:00.005-04:002011-08-25T14:29:57.909-04:00

Doug Darling, executive director of the Department of Economic Opportunity The head of the new department that will house Florida's growth management division says he'll have to decide future growth management decisions on a case-by-case basis. SB 2156, signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott on June 14, abolishes the Florida Department of Community Affairs and transfers its planning division to a

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-43065957908005764892011-07-27T18:46:00.006-04:002011-07-27T18:56:08.287-04:00

Nestlé Waters North America on Wednesday told state officials the company no longer is considering a water-pumping operation along the Wacissa River in Jefferson County.Nestlé, a global water company which includes bottling operations near Blue Spring in Madison County and near Crystal Springs in Pasco County, said testing of Allen Spring along the Wacissa showed a lack of sufficient flow during

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-91401396825378539532011-07-26T14:51:00.007-04:002011-07-26T16:01:13.146-04:00

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Tuesday that gopher tortoises warrant federal Endangered Species Act protection in Florida and Southern states east of the Mississippi.The tortoise will become a candidate for listing as threatened and endangered east of the Mississippi River including Florida. But the gopher tortoises won't be listed for protection because the agency doesn't have the

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-41827202588584850412011-07-26T14:05:00.004-04:002011-07-26T15:03:37.355-04:00

The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday rejected energy conservation plans proposed for the state's two largest electric utilities because of concerns about cost.Instead, commissioners said they may reconsider the conservation goals set by the PSC only two years ago -- before the Legislature removed four of the five commission members at the time."Sometimes certain things work during

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-46865559475130623272011-07-25T10:13:00.003-04:002011-07-25T10:18:11.824-04:00

Honeymoon Island State ParkMaybe the slow economy is encouraging people to rediscover nature. Or maybe the weather just was more inviting this past year.For whatever reasons, attendance at Florida state parks increased slightly in 2010-11 following a sharp dip the previous year, according to state park officials.Park attendance in fiscal year 2010-11 increased to 20.4 million, up 332,191 from

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-10167955704969872182011-07-21T14:12:00.011-04:002011-07-21T15:22:47.447-04:00

The environment didn't cause the recession so it shouldn't become victim of the current political climate.So says Florida nature writer Bill Belleville, author of "Salvaging the Real Florida: Lost and Found in the State of Dreams."He hopes his new book will help people develop their own environmental ethic that may turn the political situation around for Florida environment.Belleville, who lives

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-91270873460817274892011-07-13T10:56:00.006-04:002011-07-13T16:35:55.048-04:00

Scott told reporters after visiting DEP in February that he enjoys visiting state parks and they should be protected.After a week of controversy involving Florida Park Service proposals to put recreational vehicle campgrounds in four state parks, Gov. Rick Scott announced last Friday he was pulling the plug on at least the proposal at Honeymoon Island State Park.But was the timing of the

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-45073631218689284442011-07-06T14:54:00.005-04:002011-07-07T16:25:28.066-04:00

Gov. Rick Scott last month reappointed Cari Roth to the state Environmental Regulation Commission. But if recent history is an indicator, she shouldn't find the position to be too time-consuming.The ERC sets standards and rules for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Most issues that go before the commission deal with air pollution, water quality and waste management.The

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-31695170424070112862011-06-20T14:09:00.005-04:002011-06-20T14:28:01.078-04:00

With the stroke of a pen last month, Gov. Rick Scott turned Florida from a conservation land-buyer to a land seller.Florida had the largest land-buying program in the nation with more than 2 million acres purchased since 1990. The Florida Forever program received $300 million a year until state revenues started slipping in 2009, when the Legislature appropriated nothing for the program for the

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-31630679623068730122011-05-22T17:36:00.003-04:002011-05-22T17:38:10.966-04:00

An employee enters the Department of Community Affairs headquarters where more than 20 workers were told last week they're being laid off.With some state planners being handed their pink slips this week, the question arises over what really happened to the debate over the fate of Florida's growth management agency -- the Department of Community Affairs?There was no debate, really. Perhaps because

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-54265463850028531882011-05-07T10:12:00.006-04:002011-05-11T13:37:30.055-04:00

The Florida legislative session went off track early Saturday, taking several bills with it that were supported by business and industry groups and opposed by environmentalists.But environmentalists were not in a celebratory mood as the Legislature passed bills gutting state growth management and placing the burden of proof on those who file legal challenges against state permits."It was not as

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-81452826470803462492011-05-05T21:55:00.005-04:002011-05-06T08:43:17.452-04:00

Growth management, fertilizer and septic tanks are some of the environmental issues awaiting action by the Legislature on Friday, its final scheduled day of the regular session.Renewable energy, permitting and growth management were the big three issues heading into the session. There also was an outcry from some rural residents against last year's requirement that septic tanks be inspected every

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-63099970414909839582011-05-04T12:48:00.004-04:002011-05-04T13:44:28.137-04:00

A provision that was stripped out of a House permit streamlining bill last week after environmentalists denounced it was back Wednesday as a proposed amendment to a Senate rulemaking bill.The amendment to SB 1382 would place the burden of proof on those who challenge state environmental permits. The amendment by Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, mirrors a provision that was taken out of HB 991 last

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-44252815847323102022011-04-30T15:22:00.005-04:002011-05-07T10:34:24.369-04:00

Joking that he had taken out "the nasty stuff" opposed by environmentalists, Rep. Jimmy Patronis said Friday his environmental permitting bill still is good for Florida's businesses.The House quickly amended HB 991 on Friday and gave it final approval without questions or debate.The bill would streamline the state permitting process to reduce lawsuits and delays, supporters said. Developers and

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-43128737590020150312011-04-22T08:20:00.007-04:002011-04-22T08:28:51.500-04:00

In a move described as a "sneak attack" by one environmental opponent, a House bill that supporters say would streamline the state permitting process was amended Thursday to prevent local governments from regulating rock mining.HB 991 by Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, was amended by the House Economic Affairs Committee. Business groups long have argued that the mines should be exempt from

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-31071622891032174952011-04-12T20:55:00.011-04:002011-04-22T08:26:58.380-04:00

With the Legislative session more than half over, some environmentalists are saying the session already has been bad enough. But at least one veteran environmental lobbyist says the worst could be yet to come.The Legislature is showing little interest in providing new money for the Florida Forever land-buying program while at the same time it moves to eliminate the Florida Department of Community

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-37698380542195318412011-04-08T14:31:00.007-04:002011-04-08T16:54:13.258-04:00

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to an independent review of federal water quality standards for Florida that were adopted last fall.The EPA says nitrogen and phosphorus have caused algae in Florida waterways and toxic red tides along the coast. The federal numeric nutrient criteria replaces a state narrative standard that environmentalists said was too vague to be

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-8997707060536681802011-04-06T09:04:00.002-04:002011-04-06T09:09:30.823-04:00

A proposal by state fisheries managers to increase the daily recreational catch for red drum in North Florida recalls the "redfish wars" of the late 1980s, according to a veteran recreational fishing activist.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Wednesday will consider raising the limit for red drum from one to two in North Florida. The commission meets in Havana at the Pat

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-32332623585738091822011-04-05T10:15:00.002-04:002011-04-05T10:18:30.366-04:00

The historic lodge at Wakulla Springs State Park could eventually close under proposed House and Senate versions of the 2011-12 state budget.Both versions of the budget call for turning concessions at five state parks over to private companies to operate. Wakulla Springs State Park supporters are concerned that the 27-bed lodge built in 1937 could close if no one bids on operating it.The lodge,

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-51455213338317084722011-04-03T15:12:00.005-04:002011-04-03T15:19:16.803-04:00

Florida doesn't need another white paper offering water policy recommendations to protect future water supplies. What the state finally needs is a "water ethic."That's the case made in a recent report by the Collins Center for Public Policy called "Our Water, Our Florida: A Water Ethic for Florida" by Cynthia Barnett. She is an associate editor of Florida Trend magazine and author of "Mirage:

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-37195462752937941932011-03-30T10:57:00.007-04:002011-03-30T12:40:16.460-04:00

The Senate's budget chief says selling state land could help the Florida Forever land-buying program survive these lean budget times.A proposed Senate version of the 2011-12 state budget includes $308 million in spending authority for the program. But the money would have to come from the sale of land the state now owns.Florida has purchased more than 2 million acres since 1990 under Florida

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-84791504525102062292011-03-27T11:24:00.008-04:002011-03-28T08:47:46.029-04:00

Empty cul-de-sacs cover an area of Rotunda West in Charlotte County. See more of "Human Landscapes in SW Florida" at the Boston Globe web site. During a recent Cabinet meeting, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater summed up an important debate over growth management policy by relating it to the rapidly expanding Five Guys hamburger chain.Some Bay County residents had asked the Cabinet to deny a

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-36066807622962405252011-03-25T07:32:00.001-04:002011-03-25T08:10:58.612-04:00

Rep. Marti Coley has filed another bill to repeal a section of the SB 550 the water quality bill that passed the Legislature in 2010.SB 550 included a requirement that septic tanks statewide to be inspected every five years and it banned the spreading of septic tank waste on land in 2016.The Legislature in November voted to delay the septic tank inspection requirement after hearing from rural

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-21875042331472387882011-03-22T18:14:00.005-04:002011-03-23T09:05:35.467-04:00

Conceptual rendering of American Renewables' proposed plant in GainesvilleOfficials in the biomass energy industry say regulatory uncertainties continue to affect the development of new projects in Florida.As state officials continue to promote biomass as a source of energy that will create jobs in Florida, some projects remain in limbo while company officials say others remain viable. A company

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-563181166661980702011-03-22T05:43:00.004-04:002011-03-22T18:14:14.290-04:00

Some environmentalists are asking the Legislature to take a closer look at a local bill for Walton County that could allow sea walls to remain in place without state permits.Following extensive beach erosion caused by Hurricane Dennis in 2005, Walton County authorized the construction of between 250 and 275 sea walls along 26 miles of beach, according to the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Sea walls can

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-34052086089158775262011-03-18T08:26:00.002-04:002011-03-18T10:13:26.056-04:00

An initial review of state-owned lands has identified more than 24,000 acres that possibly could be exchanged or sold, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.Some legislators say the state has too much land and should sell some of it to generate revenue, raising concerns among environmentalists. But almost none of the 24,555 acres identified for possible sale was

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-83996537645420301332011-03-16T13:45:00.002-04:002011-03-16T13:49:46.351-04:00

Bills that would streamline construction permitting and prohibit the state from enforcing federal water quality standards were passed out of a committee on Tuesday despite Florida Department of Environmental Protection concerns.HB 239 by Rep. Trudi Williams, R-Fort Myers, was filed in response to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency adopting specific limits for nitrogen and phosphorus in

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-68835092081642040702011-03-11T09:22:00.003-05:002011-03-11T09:27:15.206-05:00

Several senators on a committee Thursday objected to a proposed bill that would repeal a statewide septic tank inspection requirement.Last year's lawmakers mandated inspections every five years but it was met with an outcry from rural homeowners. The bill's supporters said the inspections of the state's estimated 2.7 million septic tanks were needed to protect springs and water quality.Sen.

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-27533043442518294172011-03-08T21:25:00.006-05:002011-03-09T12:14:58.993-05:00

Gov. Rick Scott skipped a rally for the Florida Forever conservation land-buying program but attended a nearby "Tea Party" rally on the opening day of the legislative session.Florida Forever was the largest land-buying program in the nation from 1990 to 2008, when funding was reduced. Scott offered no money for the program in his 2010-11 budget recommendation.Scott told the Tea Party on the east

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-78460052496819244282011-03-07T10:23:00.011-05:002011-03-07T13:46:26.989-05:00

Environmental groups, which have become accustomed to playing defense in the Legislature for many years, are digging in for what could be an even tougher fight this year. The legislative session starts on Tuesday, March 8.There are bills filed to streamline environmental permitting, repeal a statewide septic tank inspection requirement and prohibit local governments from regulating fertilizer."

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-23189912795769780912011-03-03T08:45:00.001-05:002011-03-03T08:47:16.462-05:00

One of the state's largest business groups is disputing an Everglades Foundation study in October that said the economic benefits of Everglades restoration would be at least $46.5 billion compared to the $11.5 billion cost of restoration work.Associated Industries of Florida on Wednesday released what it said were two independent peer review studies that it said debunked the Everglades Foundation

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-14510308108043771382011-03-01T20:00:00.007-05:002011-03-02T15:29:28.986-05:00

The group that led the opposition to the "Hometown Democracy" Amendment 4 last November said Tuesday that environmental groups continue to "wage a campaign of unchecked misinformation."Amendment 4, which was voted down by 67 percent of voters, would have required local voter approval of changes to comprehensive land use plans. Business groups, cities and counties opposed the measure, which was

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-9790792664099477192011-02-24T10:42:00.003-05:002011-02-24T10:48:09.563-05:00

The Florida House and Senate both are taking up major rewrites of the state's growth management laws, according to the key committee chairmen in each chamber.Gov. Rick Scott has proposed eliminating the Florida Department of Community Affairs and laying off most employees while moving its planning functions to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Meanwhile, a coalition of groups,

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-60663838570902925532011-02-23T11:42:00.010-05:002011-02-23T12:10:46.931-05:00

Three of the most controversial environmental and agricultural bills to emerge prior to the 2011 legislative session were approved on Tuesday by a House committee.The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee approved bills dealing with septic tanks, local fertilizer regulations and agricultural exemptions from water management district permits.HB 13 by Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna,

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-63510549661656731062011-02-22T21:25:00.004-05:002011-02-22T21:36:58.879-05:00

Two months after outgoing Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham determined that a 5,000-acre land use change in Volusia County was illegal, the DCA won Cabinet approval Tuesday for the development.Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet approved an order for the proposed "Restoration" development on 5,187 acres in Edgewater west of Interstate 95.An attorney representing a development

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-30413276049633884972011-02-19T08:44:00.003-05:002011-02-19T08:50:42.826-05:00

U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Gwen Keyes Fleming said Friday that investing in clean water is better than paying more to clean up dirty water and fight harmful algal blooms.She held introductory meetings with state and local officials in Tallahassee amid concerns about new federal water quality standards. Those proposed federal limits on nitrogen and phosphorus face

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-89423266933966778182011-02-18T08:38:00.004-05:002011-02-18T08:41:09.029-05:00

The regional administrator from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency today visits Tallahassee to meet with Florida officials and attend an event at Florida A&M University.Gwen Keyes Fleming will have an introductory meeting with Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard, according to DEP. There's no word on what they may talk about but Vinyard hinted last week

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-47579787886638565962011-02-15T20:19:00.003-05:002011-02-15T20:25:53.787-05:00

After hearing Gov. Rick Scott speak Tuesday during a visit to the Florida Department of Community affairs, department systems programmer Robab Fayazi said she remains worried about losing her job there.Scott was peppered with questions by employees at the department, which he is proposing to eliminate.DCA oversees local growth management decisions and it includes the Division of Emergency

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-36248525806691379072011-02-15T14:09:00.002-05:002011-02-15T14:12:06.160-05:00

Florida legislators who made angry comments about new water quality standards for Florida weren't being told about the state's key involvement in the issue two years ago.The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency last November adopted specific limits for nitrogen and phosphorus in Florida waterways. The move came despite objections from utilities, industry and agriculture groups and many state

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-84491943411804052092011-02-14T08:04:00.005-05:002011-02-14T08:10:33.633-05:00

House and Senate budget writers this week will be looking for ways to cut environmental agencies' budgets after questioning some of Gov. Rick Scott's own recommended 2011-12 budget cuts last week.Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations holds hearings Tuesday through Thursday. The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee meets Tuesday and Wednesday

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-50113309183940959532011-02-10T18:32:00.005-05:002011-11-01T15:24:19.523-04:00

Environmental groups are asking federal wildlife officials to reintroduce panthers into North Florida and South Georgia to help save the endangered species.Panthers once ranged across the southeast but are now limited to South Florida, where there are fewer than 130 living in the wild. Threats to their survival habitat loss, highways, lack of genetic diversity and human population growth.The

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-65862404903339377022011-02-09T21:01:00.004-05:002011-02-09T21:10:15.491-05:00

Former Gov. Charlie Crist and former Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink said Wednesday that banning oil drilling will help protect the state's tourism economy and environment.They returned to Tallahassee to announce they will co-chair the petition drive to put a ban on oil drilling on the 2012 election ballot.As the Deepwater Horizon oil spill sent oil onto Panhandle beaches last July, Crist

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-22236626602483924552011-02-09T09:20:00.003-05:002011-02-09T09:29:06.605-05:00

The new chief of Florida's growth management agency on Tuesday made some suggestions that sound like what some statewide environmental groups have been advocating -- an increased focus on long-range planning and less oversight of growth in urban areas.Gov. Rick Scott has repeatedly called the Department of Community Affairs a job-killer and on Monday his budget recommendations included moving

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-33501204625116343912011-02-07T21:42:00.005-05:002011-02-07T21:51:49.975-05:00

Gov. Rick Scott is warning his supporters that unnamed "special interests" will his attack his 2011-12 budget recommendations and the cuts they include for growth and environmental programs.Scott proposes substantially reducing the number of state planners who oversee local growth management decisions and would move them to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He also recommends no

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-83924995944984946992011-02-07T08:07:00.003-05:002011-02-07T21:51:15.112-05:00

Sen. Mike Bennett says he's glad Gov. Rick Scott "put to bed" without disruption the issue of who will be serving on the Florida Public Service Commission.The governor on Friday reappointed four PSC members whose appointments he had withdrawn two days earlier.Scott on Wednesday withdrew 154 appointments made by Gov. Charlie Crist, including four of the five PSC members. In 2007, Crist withdrew

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-79509708104773841552011-02-03T11:07:00.005-05:002011-02-03T13:27:08.270-05:00

Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday withdrew 154 appointments to boards across the state including four of the five Florida Public Service Commission members.Scott withdrew the appointments in a memo to Sen. President Mike Haridopolos. The appointments were awaiting Senate confirmation.Gov. Charlie Crist withdrew 283 appointments in 2007 when he took over after former Gov. Jeb Bush, according to the

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-43532640440024549922011-02-02T06:19:00.006-05:002011-02-02T06:27:28.224-05:00

A bill filed by Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, would eliminate Florida's greenhouse gas emissions cap-and-trade program before one was ever adopted.Climate change and regulation of greenhouse gas emissions was a priority of Gov. Charlie Crist soon after he took office in 2007, but it dropped as a priority after 2008. Gov. Rick Scott, who took office last month, said last summer that he didn't

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-10725203937957356422011-02-01T08:46:00.000-05:002011-02-01T08:47:30.338-05:00

Gov. Rick Scott said Monday he plans to cut $1 billion in government spending over two years by consolidating and streamlining government including the Florida Department of Community Affairs.Scott's plan -- which included only a few details -- would remove all regulatory functions from DCA and move them to other state agencies. Scott also said he planned to move the collection of alcoholic

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-85087844775974090352011-01-31T21:19:00.004-05:002011-01-31T21:36:15.291-05:00

A senator whose summer beach trip was spoiled by high bacteria levels has filed a bill directing the state to investigate possible sources of beach water contamination.Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, rented a hotel room at Hollywood Beach last summer to stay with visiting relatives. But when they went down to the water, they discovered that advisories against swimming had been issued by the

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-81272526181957976432011-01-28T07:21:00.001-05:002011-01-28T07:22:42.502-05:00

Peacock Springs State Park near Luraville is one of the 53 state parks that would be closed.A budget-exercise proposal to close 53 state parks drew concerns Wednesday from members of a House budget-writing committee.State agencies last fall were asked to come up with 15-percent budget cut proposals for the upcoming fiscal year. State legislators are confronting a potential budget shortfall of

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-60429856011888110942011-01-27T20:46:00.006-05:002011-01-27T22:57:32.506-05:00

This reservoir in DeSoto County was built with some state water supply funding.Conservation and development of new water supplies must be part of Florida's future to attract industry and create jobs, panelists on Thursday told the House Select Committee on Water Policy. But there were differing views on how much the environment should be protected.The committee was created in December by House

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-20138351855451388312011-01-27T07:46:00.006-05:002011-01-27T07:51:19.624-05:00

Members of a Senate committee said Wednesday they want state wildlife officials to explain at their next committee meeting why they are considering requiring deer hunters to report their kills.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will consider the reporting requirement when it meets next month in Apalachicola, said Tim Breault, director of the agency's Division of Habitat and

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-35390784255828461892011-01-27T07:46:00.005-05:002011-01-27T07:49:20.548-05:00

A House panel on Wednesday passed three bills that are intended to address a court ruling that threw out 2009 legislation that revamped the state's growth management laws.SB 360 in 2009 removed a requirement that developers pay for new roads and schools in designated areas and it removed state oversight of large developments in designated "dense urban land use areas." Gov. Charlie Crist signed

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-77291025120860542262011-01-25T22:24:00.003-05:002011-01-25T22:25:28.900-05:00

Representatives of 39 utility, development and agricultural groups on Tuesday sent a letter to Florida's senators and congressional representatives asking them to deny federal agency funding to implement new water quality standards.The industry groups seem to be taking a harder line against the federal standards than some state agency officials. One state agriculture official told a House

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-70434295682445039522011-01-25T22:22:00.002-05:002011-01-25T22:24:04.114-05:00

The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved an energy conservation plan for Gulf Power Co. after initially rejecting a plan submitted by the utility last fall.Gulf Power, the state's fourth largest investor-owned utility with more than 430,000 customers, was one of four utilities whose "demand-side management" conservation plans were rejected initially by the commission because they

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-62358223975083013642011-01-24T19:44:00.004-05:002011-01-24T20:00:53.689-05:00

The resignation of another top staffer has been accepted at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, creating another high-level vacancy under new DEP Secretary Herschel Vinyard.Janet Llewellyn, director of the Division of Water Resource Management, was told Friday that her resignation had been accepted, according to sources outside of the agency. Resignations were requested from

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-21606661409022175172011-01-24T08:23:00.003-05:002011-01-24T08:25:27.463-05:00

With the Public Service Commission next week holding hearings on revised charges for Florida Power & Light Co. customers, a Senate bill would eliminate a 2006 state law that allows utilities to charge for new nuclear plants even if they are never built.SB 200 by Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, would repeal a law that allows utilities to charge for building new nuclear plants and upgrading

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-30260703844126503792011-01-21T17:39:00.004-05:002011-11-01T15:24:46.602-04:00

Two national environmental groups on Thursday filed a lawsuit claiming that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had failed to consult with wildlife agencies on regulating pesticides that are harmful to endangered species, including the Florida panther.The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Pesticide Action Network, cites the regulation of

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-63710207729273029222011-01-20T13:29:00.005-05:002011-01-20T16:10:16.589-05:00

The Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida says it wants to help Florida develop a strategic plan as suggested by Gov. Rick Scott.Scott in November told the Florida Council of 100 that the state "lacks a sufficiently focused strategic plan," according to a copy of a prepared speech.The Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida was established by the Legislature in 2005 to recommend ways

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-6535762469270497462011-01-20T13:18:00.004-05:002011-01-20T13:20:10.412-05:00

Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday allowed a bill to become law that delays a statewide inspection requirement for septic tanks.The inspection requirement was in SB 550, which then-Gov. Charlie Crist signed in June with support that included the Sierra Club Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association. Supporters said the requirement would protect public health and water quality.SB 2A was adopted

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-38457015444388514982011-01-19T22:20:00.002-05:002011-01-19T22:26:54.501-05:00

New Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard, a former shipyard executive, was confirmed by the Cabinet Wednesday.Vinyard thanked Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet for the opportunity to serve the state. He takes over a department that lost eight senior staff members last month when the Scott administration accepted their resignations.Vinyard, who also served as a

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-5984273961220811182011-01-19T22:19:00.006-05:002011-01-19T22:33:30.442-05:00

Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday said he supports growth management but says it needs to be improved.Scott was among several Cabinet officials and legislative leaders along with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., who spoke at the Associated Press Florida Legislative Planning Session in the Capitol. They answered questions on a wide range of topics.Scott's transition team last month recommended merging

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-88853740965232635002011-01-18T21:05:00.005-05:002011-01-19T13:25:33.387-05:00

A bill introduced by the chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee would ban the state from implementing new federal water quality criteria that were adopted in November.Utilities, industries and agricultural groups say the numeric standards will cost billions of dollars to comply with. But an attorney representing environmental groups says the bill would

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-53502577537091672802011-01-13T20:49:00.005-05:002011-01-13T21:00:57.159-05:00

The chairman of the new House Select Committee on Water Policy said Thursday that the state's "local sources first" policy that discourages water pipelines will be reviewed along with the role of water-management districts. But she also said doing away with districts in favor of a statewide water agency would be "crazy."One of the most controversial aspects of Florida water law is the "local

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-77559003985282670252011-01-13T11:02:00.003-05:002011-01-13T11:07:09.961-05:00

Uncertainty over how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to enforce new water quality standards continues to create wide-ranging cost estimates for meeting the new requirements, a state environmental official said Wednesday.The EPA in December adopted new numeric nutrient standards for phosphorus and nitrogen in Florida waterways. The standards are needed to reduce the number of lakes

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-24416863930363666132011-01-12T22:05:00.005-05:002011-01-12T22:40:10.227-05:00

Florida's electric utilities are continuing to lose customers and are delaying construction of new electric plants as less electricity is being used, according to a report approved Wednesday by the Florida Public Service Commission.The report could play a role in the debate over new nuclear plants in the state and the economic viability of renewable energy in the future. Critics say new nuclear

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-75386352447258345452011-01-11T21:12:00.002-05:002011-01-11T21:18:32.706-05:00

Department of Community Affairs Secretary Billy Buzzett told reporters on Tuesday during his first day on the job that he had been given no specific orders by his boss, Gov. Rick Scott, as to the future of the agency. Buzzett attended a meeting of the Senate Community Affairs Committee but he did not address the panel.The transition team for Gov. Rick Scott in December recommended merging DCA

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-77168902575406916312011-01-11T21:05:00.006-05:002011-01-11T21:15:44.762-05:00

Three growth management bills that are intended to address a judge's ruling last summer passed their first Senate committee stop on Tuesday.In August, Circuit Judge Charles Francis in Tallahassee ruled that the 2009 growth management overhaul in SB 360 was unconstitutional because they represented an unfunded mandate for cities and counties and because the bill included more than one subject. The

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-75828979244473922722011-01-11T21:00:00.002-05:002011-01-11T21:02:13.035-05:00

The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday told Florida Power & Light Co. to resubmit its energy conservation plan to meet yearly goals established by the agency under state law.FPL, the state's largest utility with 2.1 million customers, was the last among seven utilities to have its plans reviewed by the PSC as provided for by the Legislature in 2008 revisions of the Florida Energy

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-41912804672116028262011-01-10T17:49:00.004-05:002011-01-10T22:36:15.923-05:00

The leader of a Southern regional environmental group that has been battling Progress Energy over energy conservation and a planned new nuclear plant in Levy County says it's hopeful that the utility's merger with Duke Energy will lead Progress to take more environmentally friendly positions.Duke Energy and Progress Energy on Monday announced the merger agreement to combine the companies, though

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-24523365459735309642011-01-10T17:48:00.004-05:002011-01-10T17:57:13.779-05:00

Environmentalists on Monday issued growth management recommendations to state leaders but stopped short of criticizing a proposal by Gov. Rick Scott's transition team to merge state growth management and environmental protection agencies into a new "Department of Growth Leadership."Scott's transition team last month recommended creating the new agency by merging the Department of Community

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-37524210528985381222011-01-08T09:19:00.009-05:002011-01-08T10:07:53.747-05:00

WESTON -- Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam at the Everglades Coalition Conference on Friday called for "smart" environmental restoration while the U.S. Interior Secretary announced a federal initiative with landowners to conserve portions of the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee.Putnam is the first agriculture commissioner to speak at the conference, according to organizers. More than 500

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-89409949672293444572011-01-06T08:51:00.004-05:002011-01-06T09:02:21.403-05:00

Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday evening announced that he was hiring Billy Buzzett, a former top executive at the St. Joe Company to take over the Department of Community Affairs.Buzzett will take the place of Tom Pelham, who criticized Scott's statement that DCA is killing jobs. Pelham maintained that land-planning agency had approved plenty of development in recent years but that the financial

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-9817496557769569832011-01-05T08:11:00.002-05:002011-01-05T08:14:12.934-05:00

A bill that would delay implementation of a statewide septic tank inspection requirement was presented Tuesday to Gov. Rick Scott -- after agency rule-making already had been halted.A Senate spokesman declined to say whether the Legislature had delayed sending the bill to avoid a veto by then-Gov. Charlie Crist. He signed SB 550 in June, which contained the inspection requirement. Supporters,

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-10387221111306765942011-01-04T16:25:00.007-05:002011-01-04T18:24:56.212-05:00

Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday vowed to create the "most favorable business climate in the world" in Florida and issued an executive order to suspend government rule-making.While not specifically blaming environmental permitting during his inauguration speech, he said regulation, taxation and litigation together form the "axis of unemployment.""Unless they are approved, regulations grow like weeds,"

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-88315165617394788552011-01-04T07:16:00.004-05:002011-01-04T07:21:41.003-05:00

Governor-elect Rick Scott on Monday named Jacksonville shipyard executive Herschel Vinyard Jr. to lead the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, calling him a man of "deep environmental knowledge and practical business experience."Vinyard, who also served as a member of Scott's economic development transition team, recently served as director of business operation for BAE Systems

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-71866234873338443302011-01-04T07:14:00.004-05:002011-01-04T13:01:35.554-05:00

Former Florida Public Service Commissioner Nathan Skop said Monday that the public should be concerned about the agency's ability to be fair and impartial now that he and other reform-minded commissioners have been ousted.Skop's final day in office was Jan. 1. He and then-PSC Chairwoman Nancy Argenziano were ousted in June when the PSC Nominating Council voted not to interview them for

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-30510158384031253482010-12-22T10:43:00.003-05:002010-12-22T11:01:12.513-05:00

A recommendation to Governor-elect Rick Scott that the state transportation, environmental and planning agencies be combined suggests a return to Florida's past growth management mistakes, a University of Florida planning expert said Tuesday.Scott's regulatory reform transition team suggested combining the Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Protection and Department of

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-39354241856548525162010-12-18T04:45:00.005-05:002010-12-18T05:00:57.477-05:00

A federal judge on Friday expressed support for a new $1.5 billion federal plan to reduce Everglades pollution while raising concerns with Florida's response to the proposal, according to the Associated Press.United States District Judge Alan. S. Gold, who in April threatened the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with contempt of court over chronic water problems, on Friday told agency

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-57804208842972877362010-12-16T18:28:00.006-05:002010-12-16T21:06:50.574-05:00

Attorneys for Martin County and two development firms are defending a state appeals court decision ordering environmental groups to pay for challenging a Martin County land-use decision.The 1st District Court of Appeal on Tuesday ordered 1000 Friends of Florida and the Martin County Conservation Alliance to pay attorneys' fees for the Florida Department of Community Affairs, Martin County and two

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-10219015141301575392010-12-16T18:26:00.007-05:002010-12-16T21:09:49.167-05:00

Leading up to a federal court hearing in Miami on Friday, Friends of the Everglades is calling on the state to require polluters rather than taxpayers to pay for cleaning up the "River of Grass."Friends of the Everglades and the Miccosukee Tribe have sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over failure to clean up water flowing into the Everglades. U.S. District Judge Alan S. Gold in April

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-18855634061308965232010-12-15T08:12:00.003-05:002010-12-15T09:48:10.173-05:00

A state appeals court ruled on Tuesday that environmental groups must pay the attorneys fees of Martin County, the Florida Department of Community Affairs and development interests for appealing a land-use case.Richard Grosso, an attorney for the groups 1000 Friends of Florida and the Martin County Conservation Alliance, says the ruling sets a chilling precedent for groups that seek to enforce

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-86337310556844346212010-12-14T21:04:00.002-05:002010-12-14T21:06:37.748-05:00

The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday voted 5-0 to approve a settlement with Florida Power & Light Co. to resolve a controversial rate-hike request denied by the commission earlier this year.The PSC denial in January of a $1 billion rate hike request played a role in the Senate's refusal in April to confirm two reform-minded PSC members appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist. Two other

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-38679023875609129132010-12-11T10:26:00.005-05:002010-12-11T10:45:21.818-05:00

This manatee was rescued from Wakulla Springs during a cold weather snap in February 2008.The number of manatee deaths in 2010 is already more than 50 percent higher than the record number that died in 2009 -- with cold weather this year having taken a heavy toll on the lumbering sea cows, Florida wildlife officials said Friday.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission documented 699

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-74623398799940408902010-12-10T05:38:00.006-05:002010-12-10T06:03:04.391-05:00

Environmental groups say this algae bloom in 2009 on a tributary of the St. Johns River was fueled by excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous.A Florida Department of Environmental Protection official on Thursday for the first time sounded a note different from the sharp criticism leveled by state officials and industry representatives towards new federal water quality standards.The

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-88611552846192278702010-12-08T22:07:00.003-05:002010-12-08T22:16:01.785-05:00

The chairman of a new select House committee addressing water issues said Wednesday she expects it to deal more with water quality issues and less with water quantity except for "big picture" issues.On Tuesday, House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, said he is establishing the Select Committee on Water Policy and he named Rep. Trudi Williams, R-Fort Myers, as chairman. She also is chairman of

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-7725874964438467452010-12-07T20:28:00.005-05:002010-12-07T20:41:42.902-05:00

A proposed wood-burning power plant in Gainesville that would be tied for being the largest of its kind in the nation was approved Tuesday by the governor and Cabinet.In their last meeting before leaving office, the four elected Cabinet members voted unanimously to approve a power plant construction and operating certificate as recommended by an administrative law judge. American Renewables still

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-62087731309396612432010-12-07T20:26:00.008-05:002010-12-08T13:27:27.748-05:00

In their final meeting before all four members leave office, Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet voted Tuesday to approve the transfer of 29,412 acres of state land to the federal government as an addition to Big Cypress National Preserve.The Cabinet also approved an option to purchase a 2,848-acre conservation easement in Polk County from The Nature Conservancy for $5.6 million. The group will

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-17454702512279508122010-12-06T20:48:00.003-05:002010-12-06T20:54:29.517-05:00

Conceptual rendering of American Renewables proposed plant in GainesvilleA proposed woody biomass electric plant that would be one of the largest of its kind in the nation could move a step closer to reality with a Cabinet vote on Tuesday.American Renewables and the city of Gainesville are proposing the 100-megawatt biomass plant on 131 acres at the city's Deerhaven power plant. The plant would

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-30405960993471837222010-12-03T09:46:00.003-05:002010-12-03T09:53:48.089-05:00

The new chairman of the Senate's environmental committee has introduced a bill that would repeal a new requirement that septic tanks be inspected every five years.The inspection requirement in SB 550 earlier this year was promoted by supporters as a springs protection measure. But legislators voted during the special session on Nov. 16 to delay the program start from Jan. 1 to July 1 after an

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-13340755073973478752010-12-02T06:32:00.002-05:002010-12-02T06:42:53.965-05:00

The Florida Department of Community Affairs has withdrawn two controversial proposed rule changes because of the Legislature's override of the governor's veto of HB 1565.HB 1565 requires legislative approval for proposed regulations that could cost more than $200,000 a year for all businesses across the state. Supporters said the bill would prevent agencies from imposing burdensome costs on

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-61871557207192294362010-11-30T21:16:00.003-05:002010-11-30T21:24:28.047-05:00

Federal fisheries managers on Tuesday announced they are imposing temporary restrictions on recreational and commercial fishing for gag and red grouper, two of the most important fishing species in the Gulf of Mexico.Possible restrictions on grouper and snapper fishing earlier this year prompted an outcry from some state and federal elected officials. HB 553, a House memorial that called on

Bruce Ritchiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455491095750939762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297158919917999185.post-28565857395485095952010-11-24T15:29:00.002-05:002010-11-24T15:33:45.359-05:00

By the Florida TribuneThe embattled head of Florida's growth management agency has made it official that he will no have role in the administration of Governor-elect Rick Scott.Tom Pelham, who has been the head of the Department of Community Affairs under two separate GOP governors, wrote a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist on Nov. 8 saying he intended to resign from his job by Jan. 3.The move isn't

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By the Florida TribuneState lawmakers dealt with several environmental issues as they convened for a one-day special session on Tuesday.Although most of the work involved overriding vetoes by Gov. Charlie Crist, legislators also discussed whether to approve one Crist-backed initiative. Legislators approved $31 million in federal stimulus funds to provide energy rebates for homeowners who bought

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Florida park officials on Tuesday named Peacock Springs State Park near Live Oak in honor of cave-diver and filmmaker Wes Skiles, who died on July 21 while diving off the Palm Beach County Coast.Skiles was a member of the Florida Springs Task Force and spoke at a rally for springs outside of the Capitol in February. His films included "Polluting the Fountain of Youth" in 1998 and "Waters Journey:

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By the Florida TribuneThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized numeric nutrient standards for Florida on Sunday but decided to delay the implementation of the requirements for 15 months, leaving the door open for litigation.The EPA’s numeric limits -- which were sparked by a lawsuit from environmental groups -- have been set for nutrients including phosphorous and nitrogen in Florida's

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By The Florida TribuneAs legislators seek to extend the implementation of new septic tank standards during the upcoming special session, outgoing Sen. Lee Constantine sent a letter to lawmakers requesting they back the standards and its timeline, just as they did during the past legislative session.Under SB 550, the new standards would require that all septic tanks be inspected every five years.

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It didn't get a lot of attention, but Secretary of Community Affairs Tom Pelham gave an impassioned defense of his agency this past week.DCA has constantly come under fire in the last few years, especially as Pelham has criticized legislative efforts to change the state's growth management laws.Pelham, however, fired back at critics when DCA was faulted for opposing a planned animal park in the

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