E.P.A. Statement on Florida’s Suggested Rule for Addressing Nutrient Pollution
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Category: WaterType: News
Source: EPA
Date: Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
The letter also noted that E.P.A. will be ready to withdraw its federal requirements for those Florida waters covered by the FEDP's rule, provided that the current version of FDEP's rule is approved by the Florida Environmental Regulatory Comission (ERC) and ratified by the Florida State Legislature. The Agency cautioned that posture could change if the rule or related documents relied upon by the State change as the rule is considered and potentially amended by the ERC or state legislature.
"We commend Florida's focus on reducing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in its inland and estuarine waters," said Gwendolyn Keyes Fleming, Regional Administrator. "The FDEP's suggested rule reflects significant progress in protecting the state's critical aquatic resources and we are hopeful that it will be fully enacted without modification. We look forward to seeing this rule through a process that in the end puts in place pollution-cutting requirements that are based on the requirements of the Clean Water Act and the best science."
Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution is one of the biggest causes of the water quality problems in Florida. Limiting nutrient pollution across the state will help protect the health of Floridians and also preserve Florida's greatest asset-clean water- and the prosperity and jobs that go with it. Florida's tourism industry, the state's number one industry, employs nearly one million Floridians and pumps billions into the state's economy each year. Many of these tourists come to Florida to fish, boat and jet ski and, in an average year, tourists spend in excess of $60 billion in the state - generating thousands upon thousands of jobs as well over $3 billion in taxes.
To view the E.P.A. letter sent to FDEP Secretary Vinyard, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/wqs/documents/nancy-stoner-letter-to-fdep-nnc-rule.pdf
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