"Google this wacko environmental group named Earthjustice and learn a little bit about it. Sorry, I'm speaking honestly." Rep. Dave Murzin, R-Pensacola, speaking Wednesday at The Florida Chamber of Commerce "Capitol Days" event in the House chambers. "In response to our detractors: My short answer is that there is nothing wacky at all about wanting clean water or safe drinking water." David Guest
Friday, 26 February 2010
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Century Commission report tackles oil drilling
Posted on 18:12 by Unknown
From the Daily Wrap by the Florida Tribune, posted at Lobbytools.com:A state panel's draft report issued today takes on the major questions and concerns about allowing oil drilling off Florida's coastline. The House last year passed HB 1219 to allow drilling as close as three miles to the coast but the measure wasn't taken up by the Senate. Last fall, Senate President Jeff Atwater asked the
New Harbor Branch purchase approved
Posted on 04:32 by Unknown
Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new purchase agreement for 134.74 acres in St. Lucie County from the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution Foundation.The purchase of land along Indian River Lagoon for $18 million was approved last May. But approval of a new purchase agreement was needed Wednesday because of uncertainty about access to the property across a set of
Rep. Murzin slams Pelham again, backs off
Posted on 04:32 by Unknown
From the Daily Wrap by the Florida Tribune, posted at Lobbytools.com:Rep. Dave Murzin on Wednesday told a Florida Chamber of Commerce audience that he still wants Florida Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham to leave state government. Murzin, R-Pensacola, made headlines last year when, during debate on the SB 360 growth management bill, he said he'd like to see Pelham take a job
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Harbor Branch land deal returns to Cabinet
Posted on 18:40 by Unknown
A special land deal involving the Legislature, Florida Atlantic University and the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution Foundation goes back before the governor and Cabinet on Wednesday.The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is requesting consideration of a new purchase agreement for 134.74 acres in St. Lucie County along Indian River Lagoon. With approval, the state could proceed
Nelson wades into fisheries debate
Posted on 17:26 by Unknown
In advance of a protest in Washington by recreational and commercial fishermen, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson said today he will file legislation to address red snapper fishing restrictions.The restrictions are being imposed under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which was amended in 2007 to mandate the use of catch limits to end overfishing.Some anglers say the
"Hometown Democracy" taps former reporter
Posted on 17:15 by Unknown
Florida Hometown Democracy today announced that Florida writer and political activist Julie Hauserman has been named campaign manager for Amendment 4.Dubbed the "Hometown Democracy" amendment, the Florida Constitution ballot measure would require voter approval to changes to local comprehensive growth plans. Supporters say voter approval is needed to wrest growth management from the control of
Gulf County residents challenge biomass plant
Posted on 04:17 by Unknown
Artist's rendering of proposed biomass plant, from BG&E web siteA group of more than 20 Gulf County residents have filed a legal challenge against a proposed biomass gas electric plant in Port St. Joe.Biomass Gas & Electric (BG&E) of Norcross, Ga. has proposed building the Northwest Florida Renewable Energy Center to heat and convert wood chips into gas that would be burned to create electricity.
Maddox fires at Putnam over conservation scorecard
Posted on 04:10 by Unknown
Democrat Scott Maddox on Monday used the release of an environmental scorecard of Congressional representatives to fire a shot at the likely Republican nominee, U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, in the agriculture commissioner race. The League of Conservation Voters rated all members of Congress based on their votes on issues including energy, global warming, environmental health and safety protections,
Monday, 22 February 2010
Orlando is home for two rules meetings
Posted on 07:56 by Unknown
Rules meetings and workshops -- they sound boring.But there are two interesting meetings going on this week that both involve state or federal rules and both are being held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort. They are items on the "Week Ahead" published by The Florida Tribune at Lobbytools.com.Today, the Florida Department of Community Affairs holds a rule development workshop to consider amending
Friday, 19 February 2010
Possible new state forest proposed in Panhandle
Posted on 14:31 by Unknown
The Nature Conservancy and state forestry officials are asking the state to buy 10,087 acres along Wolfe Creek in Okaloosa County.The state Acquisition and Restoration Council on Friday voted to move forward on five new proposed purchase areas, including two that would be landowner conservation agreements.The Wolfe Creek area, owned by International Paper until 2006, is located between Blackwater
Thursday, 18 February 2010
'Directional' drilling, wrecked oil rigs shown to House panel
Posted on 18:45 by Unknown
A House panel on Thursday saw some of the prettier and uglier sides of coastal oil drilling and production. The House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning held another hearing in a series towards developing legislation to allow drilling in Florida waters, which extend 10.3 miles into the Gulf of Mexico.On Thursday, they saw the industry's prettier side during a presentation on
Contamination notification bill appears stalled
Posted on 04:48 by Unknown
What a difference a year makes -- when it comes to a bill to require that neighbors be notified of groundwater contamination from a pollution site.HB 207 by Rep. Rick Kriseman, D-St. Petersburg, Wednesday was temporarily passed by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee after Kriseman acknowledged that members appeared ready to vote it down He said the bill would require
Bill allows longer limestone mine permits
Posted on 04:45 by Unknown
A revised bill that would allow the state to grant state permits to limestone mining operations for the life of the mine was approved by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee.Permits for the life of a mine now are granted for heavy minerals operations but not limestone mines, according to a bill analysis. Rep. Leonard Bembry, D-Greenville, said the bill is needed to ensure
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Springs rally at Capitol attracts about 400
Posted on 15:00 by Unknown
Springs rally coordinator Jim Stevenson prepares to introduce Rep. Alan Williams as the Creature from the Black Lagoon looks on.The upcoming legislative session will be crucial to winning passage of springs legislation, speakers on Tuesday told a crowd of more than 400 at a springs rally outside the state Capitol.Springs across the state have become choked with weeds and algae as nitrogen in
Farmers and industry groups blast EPA proposal
Posted on 14:53 by Unknown
Farmer Rod Land of Lafayette County on Tuesday told federal officials at a hearing in Tallahassee that he is a fifth generation farmer and may be the last in his family if proposed a proposed federal water rule is adopted. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is holding hearings in Florida this week on the proposal to establish specific numeric limits on nutrients in springs, lakes and rivers
Fasano toughens PSC reform bill
Posted on 14:38 by Unknown
A bill that would restrict lobbying by former Public Service Commission members and staff was revised Tuesday to match tougher recommendations made by the commission.SB 1034 was introduced by Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, who said public trust was shaken last fall by news reports of private communications between commissioners and representatives of Florida Power & Light during the
Monday, 15 February 2010
Panel split on whether to keep Century Commission
Posted on 13:22 by Unknown
The Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida narrowly avoided getting targeted for elimination on Monday.The commission, whose members are named by the governor, Senate president and House speaker, was established in 2005 to issue recommendations for maintaining Florida's quality of life as the state's population continues to grow. The commission now is studying the issue of offshore oil
Update: Scientist questions springs nitrogen limit
Posted on 12:08 by Unknown
State officials for the first time are saying they know at what level of nitrate in groundwater that springs lose their ecological balance.Florida has more than 700 named springs, several of which are the central attraction at state and local parks across the state. But many of those springs have become choked with weeds and algae as nitrate levels in groundwater have increased.Busloads of
Friday, 12 February 2010
North Florida residents describe threats to springs, rivers
Posted on 15:12 by Unknown
A World War II memorial is silhouetted against a gray sky along the St. Johns River in PalatkaPALATKA -- Marihelen Wheeler of Gainesville today told a Senate committee hearing along the St. Johns River that when she's been to hearings in the past on environmental issues, government representatives listened and nodded their heads but they're were not really hearing what was said."They pat you on
Thursday, 11 February 2010
PSC chairwoman says enemies want her off panel
Posted on 15:07 by Unknown
Florida Public Service Commission Chairwoman Nancy Argenziano says Senate talk of beefing up educational requirements for the PSC is aimed at getting her off the panel.Gov. Charlie Crist in 2007 appointed Argenziano, a former state senator, to a four-year term. The Miami Herald reported today that Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne and Senate president in 2011, said he wants education
Drilling protest at beaches on Saturday
Posted on 15:05 by Unknown
Opponents of oil drilling are holding hands in a protest at beaches and other sites across the state on Saturday. Called "Hands Across the Sand," the event is open to anyone, organizers say."This is a simple, nonpartisan way for Floridians to join hands in an effort to protect our state's most important asset -- our waterways and beaches," Dave Rauschkolb, a Seaside restaurant owner who came up
House panel hears about oil spills, beach sand
Posted on 10:18 by Unknown
Members of a House panel Wednesday were provided with oil spill figures and they were told that seismic research is needed to find offshore deposits of beach sand before oil drilling is allowed.The House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning is holding hearings towards developing legislation to allow oil drilling in Florida waters, which extend 10.3 miles from the Gulf
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Land-buying in crosshairs of Florida House panel
Posted on 15:21 by Unknown
Members of a house budget-writing panel today took another shot at the Florida Forever land-buying program.Florida Forever is the largest land-buying program in the nation and is a budget priority for environmental groups and Gov. Charlie Crist. But the program received no money from the Legislature last year for the first time since the program was created in 1990. Today, members of the House
PSC almost knocks down Gainesville biomass plant
Posted on 06:27 by Unknown
Conceptual rendering of American Renewables proposed plant in GainesvilleThe Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday appeared ready to vote down a proposed biomass power plant in Gainesville before city officials asked the PSC to delay the vote.Gainesville officials say the 100-megawatt American Renewables LLC plant will provide needed renewable energy and reduce the city's dependence on
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Florida Cabinet approves 2,800-acre land buy
Posted on 17:23 by Unknown
Flint Rock WMAThe governor and Cabinet today approved the state purchase of 2,849 acres in Jefferson County. The state will pay The Nature Conservancy $5.2 million, or $1,841 per acre, for the land, which previously was owned by The St. Joe Co. The land has been managed as a portion of the Flint Rock Wildlife Management Area by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.The purchase
Friday, 5 February 2010
Florida delegation, DEP's Sole oppose EPA standards
Posted on 09:49 by Unknown
Federal proposed water quality standards for Florida received more protests this week from Florida officials.Springs across the state have become choked with weeds and algae in recent years while toxic algal blooms have flourished in the St. Johns River and along the southwest Florida Gulf coast. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency on Jan. 15 proposed more specific limits for nitrogen and
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Sub-sea drilling technology shown to House
Posted on 18:09 by Unknown
Members of a House panel today were told that oil and gas production platforms built more than 13 miles offshore would not be visible from the coast.The House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning is holding hearings towards developing legislation that would lift the state's 20-year-old ban on drilling in Florida waters.Those waters extend 10 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico
Land-buying falls short in House committee
Posted on 17:49 by Unknown
Florida's conservation land-buying program was not included among 38 priorities identified by members of a House panel.The Florida Forever land-buying program is a 2010-11 budget priority for Gov. Charlie Crist and environmental groups. Florida Forever is the largest land-buying program in the nation with 2.4 million acres having been purchased since 1990. But the program received no money from
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Bennett says DCA won't be eliminated "on my watch"
Posted on 15:12 by Unknown
Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, today said elimination of the Florida Department of Community Affairs "is not going to happen on my watch."Bennett, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Community Affairs, could play a key role in maintaining DCA as the chief state agency responsible for enforcing Florida's growth management laws. The agency this year is undergoing a "sunset" review under state
Panel issues growth recommendations, struggles for money
Posted on 07:58 by Unknown
A state panel created by the Legislature to make recommendations on growth management and quality of life issues has produced its fourth annual report while it struggles with lack of state funding. The Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida this year has issued four recommendations, most of them suggesting follow-up action on previous recommendations. The commission, whose members are
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Senators hear plight of Wakulla Springs
Posted on 18:24 by Unknown
A manatee surfaces in Wakulla Springs near a tour boat carrying members and staff of the Senate Select Committee on Florida's Inland WatersEight Florida senators today heard from Wakulla Springs State Park supporters about their efforts to fight increasing nitrogen levels that have caused the springs to become choked with weeds and algae.The Senate Select Committee on Florida's Inland Waters is
Florida utility commission reform bill clears committee
Posted on 18:09 by Unknown
A bill by Sen. Mike Fasano to require that communications between Public Service Commission members and regulated utilities be posted publicly was approved today by a Senate committee.Fasano, R-New Port Richey, introduced SB 1034 after the news media last fall revealed numerous contacts between commissioners and Florida Power & Light Co. representatives during hearings on the utility's rate hike
Monday, 1 February 2010
DEP report backs off earlier bag ban recommendation
Posted on 15:14 by Unknown
In a report released today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection backed off an earlier draft recommendation to ban disposable shopping bags. The Legislature in 2008 directed DEP to issue recommendations on regulating plastic and paper bags and banned local governments from adopting regulations. DEP in October released a draft report that called for banning paper and plastic bags by
Understanding of Gulf ecology lacking in drilling debate
Posted on 09:17 by Unknown
Venus purse anemone on a patch of Lophelia coral at 2500 feet deep in the Gulf of Mexico.Scientists' lack of understanding about the complex relationships between marine organisms should be considered in the debate about oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida State University researchers said today. FSU is holding its second symposium on oil drilling with the focus today on the gulf ecology
DEP questions proposed federal water standards
Posted on 05:44 by Unknown
Some healthy streams and preserved streams in state parks and forests apparently won't meet new federal criteria for nitrogen and phosphorus, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Jan. 15 proposed numeric nutrient criteria for springs, rivers and lakes in Florida. The specific criteria replace Florida's narrative standard that
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