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Thursday, 29 April 2010

Water bill goes to governor but springs program could get cut

Posted on 17:48 by Unknown
Ichetuckneee Springs State ParkA springs program launched in 2001 by then-Gov. Jeb Bush would be sharply cut by the Legislature in its proposed 2010-11 state budget even as the Senate on Thursday gave final approval to a bill aimed at protecting springs.The Florida Springs Initiative has helped pay for work including research to map areas that drain to springs, educational materials such as
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PSC reform bill in doubt as session nears end, Atwater says

Posted on 17:47 by Unknown
The outlook for a Public Service Commission reform bill passing this legislative session doesn't look good, Senate President Jeff Atwater said Thursday. And he added that passage of a renewable energy bill is in question.The 60-day legislative session ends Friday. SB 1034 would extend a ban on lobbying to top commission aides and provides fines for prohibited "ex parte" communications with
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Spill may be headed toward Florida as officials monitor

Posted on 17:39 by Unknown
Oil could begin washing ashore on Florida Panhandle beaches as early as Monday, a federal forecast suggested Thursday. About 200,000 gallons of oil per day is leaking from an oil well under 5,000 feet of water off the Louisiana coast after an oil drilling rig exploded and sank last week.The slick appeared to be more than 80 miles south of Pensacola on Wednesday, according to a National Oceanic
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Ongoing oil spill prompts Democrat responses

Posted on 17:37 by Unknown
Democrats on Thursday clamored for an end to talk about opening state waters to oil drilling in the wake of an ongoing spill off the Louisiana coast. U. S. Sen. Bill Nelson Thursday sent a letter to President Obama telling him that he's filing legislation to block the expansions of offshore oil drilling announced by the president on March 31. Nelson said the spill could become an "environmental
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Snakes bill passes House while FWC takes closer look

Posted on 04:46 by Unknown
A bill that would ban Burmese pythons and five other snake species along with Nile monitor lizards was approved Wednesday by the House. SB 318 by Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, now goes to the governor. The bill was introduced in response to media firestorm created last summer after a pet python strangled a 2-year-old girl in her Sumter County home.Thousands of the snakes are believed to have
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Crist calls view of oil spill "very disturbing"

Posted on 04:33 by Unknown
Oil spill location map provided by The Response Group Wednesday evening.Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday described as "very disturbing" an oil slick he viewed Tuesday on an aerial tour leaving from Alabama.The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded and sank on April 22, causing a continuing leak of up to 200,000 gallons per day from an oil well in 5,000 feet of water, according to Associated
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Water bill approved by House, headed back to Senate.

Posted on 04:24 by Unknown
A Senate water bill won approval on Wednesday from the House despite opposition from legislators from the Wekiva River area north of Orlando. SB 550 at one time had required that septic utilities be established statewide but the measure faced opposition from the Florida Home Builders Association. That requirement was dropped from the bill last week by Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, to
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Tuesday, 27 April 2010

Gulf oil spill concerns Florida officials

Posted on 19:38 by Unknown
An oil spill off the Louisiana coast drew the scrutiny from Florida officials Tuesday as it appeared the slick was moving closer to Florida. The Deepwater Horizon oil rig blew up and sank last week, causing 1,000 barrels (about 42,000 gallons) of oil per day to leak from the ocean floor.The Coast Guard said Tuesday morning that a 600-mile circumference rainbow sheen of emulsified crude was
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Energy bill divides both GOP and Dems before passing House

Posted on 19:31 by Unknown
A bill that allows utilities to charge customers separately for the cost of renewable energy passed the House on Tuesday. Supporters cited a Washington Economics Group study that said legislation similar to HB 7229 could produce up to 40,000 jobs in renewable energy industries. But opponents raised concerns about the cost to the economy of charging more for electricity from wind, solar and
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Senate rejects Crist's nominees to Florida PSC

Posted on 19:18 by Unknown
PSC Commissioner David E. Klement The Senate on Thursday rejected two of Gov. Charlie Crist's appointments to the Public Service Commission, widening the political divide between Crist and the Legislature's Republican leadership.Saying he wanted "new blood" on the commission, Crist last year nominated David E. Klement, a former Bradenton newspaper editor, and Ben A. "Steve" Stevens III. But
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Groups rally for action on Florida DCA

Posted on 04:21 by Unknown
Representatives of eleven environmental groups called on the House Monday to adopt legislation reauthorizing the state's land planning agency. The Legislature in 2006 established a "sunset review" process for state agencies to determine whether a need for them exists.HB 7107 would reauthorize the Florida Department of Community Affairs but it has been stalled in the House Economic Development &
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Innovative energy bill sails through Florida House

Posted on 04:16 by Unknown
A bill that would allow local governments to loan money to homeowners for renewable energy and storm-resistance improvements passed the House.HB 7179 by the Energy & Utilities Policy Committee passed after amendments that would extend the state solar energy rebate program were rejected. The bill establishes the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which allows homeowners to repay the
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PSC reform bill passes Florida House, goes back to Senate

Posted on 04:15 by Unknown
The House on Monday passed an amended version of Senate bill reforming the Public Service Commission. But Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey and sponsor of SB 1034, said he is concerned about some parts of the bill as amended by the House.SB 1034 would define prohibited "ex parte" communications and extend a ban on lobbying by commissioners and their top aides. Fasano said Monday that the House
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Monday, 26 April 2010

Several environmental bills move in Legislature

Posted on 16:49 by Unknown
There was significant movement Monday on several environmental bills. SB 550, a comprehensive water bill that includes a requirement for septic tank inspections, passed the Senate 30-3.HB 7143 relating to recycling passed the House 115-1 after a requirement that airports recycle was removed from the bill. The Senate companion, SB 570, was amended and placed on third reading. HB 1445, a Florida
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House, Senate close on septic tank language

Posted on 04:21 by Unknown
Rep. Alan Hays, left, talks with Rep. David Rivera and Sen. JD Alexander, the House and Senate budget chiefs.House and Senate budget negotiators on Sunday remained in disagreement on language that prohibits state agencies from requiring advanced septic tanks for another year.Springs across the state have become choked with weeds and algae as nitrogen in groundwater from a variety of sources have
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Saturday, 24 April 2010

Nelson calls for oil rig investigation

Posted on 04:37 by Unknown
U. S. Sen. Bill Nelson on Friday asked the Department of Interior to investigate an oil drilling rig explosion off the coast of Louisiana.The Obama administration on March 31 said it would allow exploration and drilling off the east coast south to about Titusville and in the Gulf of Mexico west of the Florida Keys. The House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning held hearings on
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House, Senate agree to $15 million for Florida Forever

Posted on 04:31 by Unknown
House budget negotiators agreed Friday to provide $15 million in fiscal year 2010-11 for Florida Forever, the nation's largest land-buying program.The program has received $300 million a year since 1990 but received nothing from the Legislature last year after the House declined to provide funding amid declining state revenues. During conference committee meetings earlier this week, House
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Bill to return to public permit hearings is revised

Posted on 04:28 by Unknown
A proposal to require again that water management district permits be voted on at public meetings has been revised.Last year, SB 2080 was amended late in the legislative session to direct the districts to approve some permits without a public hearing. The Florida Home Builders Association said it supported the amended bill to help water management districts focus on other agency issues.
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Friday, 23 April 2010

Water bill amended to address DEP concerns, senator says

Posted on 04:34 by Unknown
A far-reaching Senate water bill will be amended to address concerns raised by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the bill's sponsor said Thursday. SB 550 by Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, resulted from hearings held around the state as a Senate panel heard about threats of pollution and over-pumping to Florida's springs, rivers and coastal waters. The bill includes
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Planning agency reauthorization remains stalled in House

Posted on 04:31 by Unknown
A bill reauthorizing the Florida Department of Community Affairs received unanimous Senate approval Thursday, but the bill could face a challenge in the House.The Legislature in 2006 established a "sunset review" process for state agencies to determine whether a need for them exists. DCA supporters have raised concerns that the department won't be reauthorized before the end of the legislative
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PSC restructuring appears dead in House

Posted on 04:30 by Unknown
A House proposal to restructure the Florida Public Service Commission appears dead this legislative session.HB 7209 by the House Energy & Utilities Policy Committee was amended Thursday to remove language that would have moved the PSC regulatory staff to the governor and Cabinet. The move was proposed amid what a House bill analysis says is public mistrust for PSC and uncertainty in Florida's
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Thursday, 22 April 2010

Florida Forever supporters want more for program than discussed

Posted on 10:38 by Unknown
Gov. Charlie Crist celebrated Earth Day on Thursday by saying that residents have a duty to work together while Florida Forever supporters said they want more money for the land-buying program than is being discussed in the Legislature.Several businesses and partnerships announced initiatives to mark the Earth Day celebration at the Capitol as hundreds of schoolchildren listened to speeches and
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Septic tanks study gets $2 million as delay language looms

Posted on 04:06 by Unknown
House and Senate budget conferees have agreed to provide $2 million to the Florida Department of Health for an ongoing study of septic tank technologies. Meanwhile, bill language looms that would prevent agencies from reducing nitrogen pollution from septic tanks while the study continues. The study has been an issue for the past two years involving legislation to protect groundwater and springs
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House adopts fisheries, climate and nitrogen resolutions

Posted on 04:02 by Unknown
The Florida House adopted resolutions Wednesday calling on Congress to roll back federal environmental regulations or not adopt new ones.The House adopted HB 1589, which criticizes the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed water quality standards. The EPA says nitrogen and phosphorus reductions are needed to reduce algae that is clogging waterways, but utilities and industry groups say
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Groups raise concerns with nuke plants' design

Posted on 04:01 by Unknown
Twelve national and southern environmental groups called on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to delay action on proposed new nuclear plants, including two in Florida, because of design flaws that raise safety issues. Florida Power & Light Co. has proposed expanding its Turkey Point nuclear plant and Progress Energy has proposed building a new nuclear plant in Levy County.The twelve groups,
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Wednesday, 21 April 2010

Contamination notification bill passes Senate

Posted on 17:03 by Unknown
A bill requiring expanded public notification of contamination sites passed the Senate on Wednesday.SB 602 was filed in response to contamination at the Raytheon electronics manufacturing plant in St. Petersburg. Groundwater contamination was discovered in 1991 and the state was notified in 1995. But surrounding residents were not told until 2005 when the Florida Department of Environmental
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Water bill passes with home builders support

Posted on 05:41 by Unknown
A controversial Senate water bill won committee approval Tuesday after the sponsor won support from home builders.SB 550 by Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, followed public hearings around the state last winter as senators heard concerns about algal blooms, pollution and overpumping of groundwater. Constantine told the Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means that the bill
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PSC nominee left standing at podium unconfirmed

Posted on 05:33 by Unknown
PSC Commissioner David E. KlementA Senate committee adjourned its meeting Tuesday before voting on two of Gov. Charlie Crist's nominees to the Florida Public Service Commission.The decision left the fates of two appointees in limbo although Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, said that there would be another chance to decide whether to confirm David E. Klement and Ben A. "Steve"
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010

House agrees to provide funding for land-buying program

Posted on 17:05 by Unknown
The House agreed Tuesday to provide money for Florida Forever, ending a year-long funding drought for the state land-buying program.The House agreed Tuesday to provide money for Florida Forever, ending a year-long funding drought for the state land-buying program.Florida Forever is the largest land-buying program in the nation with 2.4 million acres having been conserved since 1990. After
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Biomass opponents nearly derail recycling bill

Posted on 06:15 by Unknown
A Senate recycling bill on Monday was amended and passed by a committee after it was nearly derailed by biomass energy opponents. SB 570 by Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, lays out a path towards reaching the state's goal of recycling 75 percent of waste by 2020. The state now recycles about 28 percent of its waste, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The
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House energy bill moves despite wood supply concerns

Posted on 06:12 by Unknown
A House energy bill was passed Monday by a committee despite concerns about biomass energy raised by a pulp and paper industry representative. HB 7229 allows utilities to recover $386 million from customers for 735 megawatts of renewable energy over the next three years. Chris Broome, general manager of the Smurfit-Stone container board mill in Panama City, said the bill would encourage the
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House budget proposal includes Everglades, not Florida Forever

Posted on 04:31 by Unknown
The House on Monday did not include money for Florida Forever in its conference committee budget offer but it did offer $10 million for Everglades restoration. Florida Forever is the nation's largest land-buying program but the program received no money from the Legislature last year and could run out of money this year.The House has adopted a 2010-11 state budget of nearly $70 billion, which is
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Monday, 19 April 2010

Senate ag bill amended to remove fertilizer prohibition

Posted on 17:50 by Unknown
A Senate agriculture bill was amended Monday to remove a prohibition against local governments adopting stricter fertilizer amendments than an adopted state standard. SB 382 would have established criteria for local governments to meet if they wanted stricter ordinances than the state "model" fertilizer ordinance adopted by the Legislature in 2009. A late-filed amendment (140990) by Sen. Eleanor
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Saturday, 17 April 2010

Florida Tribune: Drilling comes up empty this year

Posted on 05:09 by Unknown
Legislation to allow drilling in state waters won't be voted on by the House this year, Rep. Dean Cannon on Friday told the House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning. The council chaired by Cannon, R-Winter Park, held 10 hearings and workshops last winter and spring towards developing legislation to lift the state's 20-year-old ban on drilling. Supporters said drilling could
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State panel hears Florida Forever pleas

Posted on 05:05 by Unknown
Northeast Florida Blueway Project, St. Johns CountyCity and county officials, ranchers, conservationists and a Florida National Guard representative on Friday pleaded for their favorite land-buying projects and for support for the state's Florida Forever program.The statewide land-buying program is the nation's largest but it's in jeopardy. Florida Forever received no money from the Legislature
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Friday, 16 April 2010

Draft oil drilling legislation would direct Cabinet to sell leases

Posted on 04:23 by Unknown
Images from report by the Collins Center for Public Policy report on oil drilling to the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida. To download the report, click here.A draft proposed House council bill would open Florida's waters to oil drilling but would ban permanent rigs and platforms above the water's surface within six miles of the coast.The House Select Policy Council on Strategic &
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Thursday, 15 April 2010

House drilling legislation to be heard on Friday

Posted on 04:50 by Unknown
A House panel is expected Thursday to receive a draft committee bill that would lift the ban on drilling for oil and gas in state waters.The House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning has been holding hearings on whether to allow drilling in state waters within 10.4 miles of the coast. Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park and committee chairman, said Wednesday he expects the proposed
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Renewable energy bill with business backing clears committee

Posted on 04:47 by Unknown
A bill that would allow utilities to charge customers in advance for renewable energy projects cleared a Senate committee Wednesday. SB 1186 received backing from several business groups and firms that said the bill would quickly spur the growth of solar and other renewable energy technologies in Florida.The Senate Committee on Communications, Energy and Public Utilities adopted the bill by an 8-
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DEP passes along cash to schools for green programs

Posted on 04:46 by Unknown
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is using federal dollars to help some schools in north Florida get greener. DEP announced Thursday that it had completed a $250,000 federal grant project that allowed for 199 buses in 10 rural school districts to be refitted with devices that reduce harmful tailpipe emissions. The diesel oxidation catalysts reduce children's exposure to diesel
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Tuesday, 13 April 2010

"Hometown Democracy" opponents raise nearly $1 million

Posted on 18:50 by Unknown
The new group opposing Amendment 4, the "Florida Hometown Democracy" amendment to the Florida Constitution, raised nearly $1 million in its first quarter of existence with most of its contributions coming from business and development interests.Voters statewide in November will be asked to decide whether the state will require referendums for changing local comprehensive land use plans. Some
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Wekiva River amendment withdrawn but still lurking

Posted on 18:49 by Unknown
An amendment that would have removed language in state law directing the Florida Department of Health to consider requiring advanced septic tank systems in the Wekiva River basin was withdrawn Tuesday.The DOH last year proposed a rule that would have required homeowners in the area north of Orlando to upgrade their septic tanks before they sold their homes. The proposal sparked opposition from
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Twenty-year-old deadline extended by bill amendment

Posted on 11:57 by Unknown
A petroleum tanks cleanup bill in the House has been amended to extend the deadline for tank site owners to replace older tanks that could leak. In 1990, Gov. Bob Martinez and the Cabinet directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to require that petroleum tanks above ground and underground have secondary containment by 2010 to prevent leaks that could contaminate groundwater.
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DEP holds hearings on ranking land projects

Posted on 11:49 by Unknown
Bald Point State ParkWith more than 100 land-buying projects facing a review and ranking by the state, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging project supporters to participate in a pair of public hearings over the next four weeks. DEP and the state Acquisition and Restoration Council have launched a new ranking process for the 109 projects on the Florida Forever
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Monday, 12 April 2010

Report for House speaker says threat of oil drilling minimal

Posted on 18:55 by Unknown
A new report that models the risks of oil drilling in state waters in the Gulf of Mexico says oil spills are unlikely to pose a major threat to Florida. The House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning is scheduled to meet Wednesday to hold another in a series of workshops on oil drilling. Progress Florida and the Sierra Club said last week's oil spill of 18,000 gallons in a
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Energy efficiency + renewables = jobs, studies say

Posted on 18:46 by Unknown
A pair of studies released Monday point to potential jobs created and cost savings for utility customers if Florida pursued aggressive policies to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Georgia Tech and Duke University researchers, who released a report "Energy Efficiency in the South," said adoption of nine energy efficient technologies and practices in Florida over the next 10 years
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Industry, utility groups announce water forum

Posted on 18:38 by Unknown
Two groups that have raised concerns about a water bill introduced by Sen. Lee Constantine have announced their plans to hold a water forum in June. Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) and the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) have announced they are holding the first Florida Water Forum on June 4 in Orlando. They have asked candidates for governor and agriculture
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Sunday, 11 April 2010

House energy bill gets initial committee approval

Posted on 14:03 by Unknown
Officials from NASA and Florida Power & Light Company Thursday commissioned FPL’s Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center. The solar power facility is located at Kennedy Space Center and is producing an estimated 10 megawatts of power, which is enough energy to serve 1,100 homes.A proposed House committee bill that attempts to expand the use of renewable energy in the state received
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Committee chair defends PSC reform bill

Posted on 14:01 by Unknown
The chairman of a House committee that has proposed restructuring the Public Service Commission insisted Friday that agency needs to be revamped because of "volatility" in the regulatory environment. HB 7209 (formerly PCB EUP4) by the House Energy & Utilities Policy Committee would create a separate Office of Regulatory Staff under the Financial Services Commission. The Office of Public Counsel
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Saturday, 10 April 2010

Louisiana oil spill cited by drilling opponents in Florida

Posted on 05:22 by Unknown
Environmentalists are pointing to an oil spill this week in Louisiana as evidence the state and federal governments should not allow more offshore oil drilling. President Obama last week said his administration will allow exploration and drilling off the Atlantic coast of north Florida and within 125 miles of the Florida peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico. Opening Florida waters to oil drilling has
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Massive solar project could move forward under bill

Posted on 05:17 by Unknown
A proposed committee bill by the House Energy & Utiltiies Committee would remove a barrier to the Babcock Ranch development in southwest Florida becoming the first solar city in the United States, a development spokeswoman said.PCB EUP6 allows utilities to petition the Public Service Commission for the recovery of costs for up to 735 megawatts of renewable energy through 2013. That's enough power
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Ag bill now prohibits local fertilizer regulations

Posted on 05:13 by Unknown
A Pinellas County ban on the sale of fertilizer in summer months has prompted a House committee to amend a bill to ban local governments from adopting fertilizer ordinances.The Pinellas County Commission in January approved the ban after researchers blamed nutrient runoff for polluting area waterways, requiring $30 million in repair projects, according to a news report. But the ban has created a
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Friday, 9 April 2010

Removing climate language from law is "head-in-the-sand" approach, Audubon say

Posted on 04:52 by Unknown
Officials from NASA and Florida Power & Light Company Thursday commissioned FPL’s Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center. The solar power facility is located at Kennedy Space Center and is producing an estimated 10 megawatts of power, which is enough energy to serve 1,100 homes.Environmentalists on Thursday criticized portions of a proposed committee bill dealing with energy that
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House bill to implement 75-percent recycling goal is back

Posted on 04:43 by Unknown
A recycling bill that was described by its sponsor as being on life support two weeks ago has found new life in a proposed committee bill.Florida now recycles about 28 percent of its waste, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. HB 1559 by Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, provides measures to implement the statewide 75-percent recycling goal by 2020 that
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Thursday, 8 April 2010

Committee bill would remove climate change language in state law

Posted on 04:45 by Unknown
A proposed energy bill filed Wednesday by the House Energy & Utilities Committee appears to remove language in state law that addresses climate change and requires utilities to increase the amount of renewable energy they provide to customers.PCB EUP 10-6 is scheduled Friday to be heard by the committee, which held a hearing prior to the session on establishing a state energy policy. The bill
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Crist links jobs, environment during Florida Forever rally

Posted on 04:43 by Unknown
Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday told a rally at the Capitol that the state's land-buying program is critical to the Florida's tourism economy.Florida Forever is the largest land-buying program in the nation with more than 2 million acres having been purchased since 1990. But the program is expected to run out of money by the end of the year if it doesn't receive cash or bonding authority from the
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Wednesday, 7 April 2010

Fla. Supreme Court justices question U. S. Sugar deal

Posted on 13:43 by Unknown
Florida Supreme Court justices today hammered both sides in the U. S. Sugar land deal originally brokered by Charlie Crist about the role the purchase could play in Everglades restoration. The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians and rivals to U. S. Sugar are challenging the South Florida Water Management District's approved purchase of 73,000 acres of company land for $536 million. They say the district
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Top 10 at-risk land purchase areas listed

Posted on 04:21 by Unknown
Florida's largest springs are ranked by the Florida Forever Coalition as the top-ranked state purchase area at risk for development. Florida Forever is the largest land-buying program in the nation but it could run out of money by the end of the year. The Legislature provided $300 million a year in bonding authority for the program until last year when it provided nothing. The Senate has
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Water bill squeaks out of committee amid opposition

Posted on 04:12 by Unknown
A view of limestone outcroppings along the Ichetucknee River in Columbia County.SB 550, dubbed the "mega-water bill" that includes springs protection measures, barely passed a Senate committee on Tuesday after development groups raised concerns about its septic tank requirements. The bill was introduced by Sen. Lee Constantine, who chaired the Senate Select Committee on Florida's Inland Waters as
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Key chairman says there is still time for DCA

Posted on 03:55 by Unknown
The chairman of a key House council said Tuesday there is plenty of time in the legislative session to approve a bill that would reauthorize the Florida Department of Community Affairs. The Legislature in 2006 established the "sunset review" process to determine whether agencies should be continued. DCA spokesman James Miller said Monday the department is concerned that the session could end
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Tuesday, 6 April 2010

Progress Energy points to cost of conservation

Posted on 04:36 by Unknown
Meeting conservation goals established by the state for utilities in December will cost Progress Florida customers an average of $13.52 more per month over the next 10 years, according to the utility. After rejecting an initial staff recommendation in November, the Public Service Commission in December established tougher new conservation goals for five investor-owned utilities and two municipal
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Commissioner urges House speaker to act on Senate PSC reform bill

Posted on 04:33 by Unknown
Public Service Commissioner Nathan Skop on Monday called on House Speaker Larry Cretul to bring "meaningful reform" to the PSC by pushing for House approval of SB 1034.The Senate adopted the bill during the first week of session last month. The bill defines prohibited "ex parte" communications with commissioners in docketed cases and bans commissioners and their aides from lobbying the
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Monday, 5 April 2010

Groups ask DEP to delay new waterway classification

Posted on 04:42 by Unknown
Environmental groups are asking the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to delay approval of a new stream classification system.Florida has five waterway classifications that are used to help determine the amount of pollution that can be discharged into receiving water bodies. Most waterways are designated as Class III, meaning they are support recreation and healthy fish and wildlife
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Friday, 2 April 2010

PSC conservation goals questioned by legislators

Posted on 05:03 by Unknown
Critics of energy efficiency goals established for utilities by the Public Service Commission Thursday seemed to have a sympathetic audience among some members of the House Energy & Utilities Policy Committee.Rep. Stephen Precourt, R-Orlando and committee chairman, said Thursday the committee is working on a comprehensive energy bill and will consider it on April 9. The committee heard a
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      • Water bill goes to governor but springs program co...
      • PSC reform bill in doubt as session nears end, Atw...
      • Spill may be headed toward Florida as officials mo...
      • Ongoing oil spill prompts Democrat responses
      • Snakes bill passes House while FWC takes closer look
      • Crist calls view of oil spill "very disturbing"
      • Water bill approved by House, headed back to Senate.
      • Gulf oil spill concerns Florida officials
      • Energy bill divides both GOP and Dems before passi...
      • Senate rejects Crist's nominees to Florida PSC
      • Groups rally for action on Florida DCA
      • Innovative energy bill sails through Florida House
      • PSC reform bill passes Florida House, goes back to...
      • Several environmental bills move in Legislature
      • House, Senate close on septic tank language
      • Nelson calls for oil rig investigation
      • House, Senate agree to $15 million for Florida For...
      • Bill to return to public permit hearings is revised
      • Water bill amended to address DEP concerns, senato...
      • Planning agency reauthorization remains stalled in...
      • PSC restructuring appears dead in House
      • Florida Forever supporters want more for program t...
      • Septic tanks study gets $2 million as delay langua...
      • House adopts fisheries, climate and nitrogen resol...
      • Groups raise concerns with nuke plants' design
      • Contamination notification bill passes Senate
      • Water bill passes with home builders support
      • PSC nominee left standing at podium unconfirmed
      • House agrees to provide funding for land-buying pr...
      • Biomass opponents nearly derail recycling bill
      • House energy bill moves despite wood supply concerns
      • House budget proposal includes Everglades, not Flo...
      • Senate ag bill amended to remove fertilizer prohib...
      • Florida Tribune: Drilling comes up empty this year
      • State panel hears Florida Forever pleas
      • Draft oil drilling legislation would direct Cabine...
      • House drilling legislation to be heard on Friday
      • Renewable energy bill with business backing clears...
      • DEP passes along cash to schools for green programs
      • "Hometown Democracy" opponents raise nearly $1 mil...
      • Wekiva River amendment withdrawn but still lurking
      • Twenty-year-old deadline extended by bill amendment
      • DEP holds hearings on ranking land projects
      • Report for House speaker says threat of oil drilli...
      • Energy efficiency + renewables = jobs, studies say
      • Industry, utility groups announce water forum
      • House energy bill gets initial committee approval
      • Committee chair defends PSC reform bill
      • Louisiana oil spill cited by drilling opponents in...
      • Massive solar project could move forward under bill
      • Ag bill now prohibits local fertilizer regulations
      • Removing climate language from law is "head-in-the...
      • House bill to implement 75-percent recycling goal ...
      • Committee bill would remove climate change languag...
      • Crist links jobs, environment during Florida Forev...
      • Fla. Supreme Court justices question U. S. Sugar deal
      • Top 10 at-risk land purchase areas listed
      • Water bill squeaks out of committee amid opposition
      • Key chairman says there is still time for DCA
      • Progress Energy points to cost of conservation
      • Commissioner urges House speaker to act on Senate ...
      • Groups ask DEP to delay new waterway classification
      • PSC conservation goals questioned by legislators
    • ►  March (15)
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  • ►  2009 (74)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (16)
    • ►  October (15)
    • ►  September (16)
    • ►  August (12)
    • ►  July (6)
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