Environmental Sustainability

Numeric Nutrient Criteria | Environmental Resources Permits | Alternative Water Supply | Recycling | Session Priorities Index

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Environmental issues have always been very important to AIF members as they have a direct correlation to Florida’s business climate. Our state’s natural resources are a draw, not only for tourists, but for businesses that want to grow or locate in Florida. We must be good stewards of our land and water, and AIF and its members lead the way in protecting those resources.

Numeric Nutrient Criteria

AIF ENCOURAGES the Florida Legislature to ratify the proposed numeric nutrient criteria rule proposed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

We also engage and support our Congressional delegation in their efforts to stop the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) imposition of unreasonably restrictive water quality standards only on the State of Florida. These proposed federal standards are unscientific and costly (some estimates show a price tag of $50 billion) for businesses and consumers. Florida is currently facing the possibility of having to meet strict water quality standards regarding numeric nutrient criteria (for nitrogen and phosphorous) in all water bodies as a result of a lawsuit by radical environmental organizations. The proposed criteria are technically and scientifically flawed, as well as economically unattainable by the business and public sectors. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has issued new rules that will help Florida achieve better water quality standards by using biological confirmation and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL). Since the new rule will have an impact of more than $1 million over the next five years, the Florida Legislature will have to ratify the rule, and AIF supports the ratification of this rule.

Environmental Resource Permits

AIF SUPPORTS the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s proposal to have a statewide Environmental Resource Permit (ERP).

The purpose of the ERP program is to protect Florida’s water resources. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Water Management Districts (WMDs) are responsible for the ERP. However, DEP is proposing a statewide ERP so all agencies are using the same version, instead of the five different permits currently in use. By having one rule, the regulated community will have consistency among the WMDs and should see cost savings without harming the environment.

Alternative Water Supply

AIF SUPPORTS state funding for alternative water supply programs.

Economic development in Florida is a high priority. However, when planning for our future, we must have an adequate water supply. Unless we begin to fund and build sufficient water systems now, Florida will have problems meeting future demands. The Water Protection and Sustainability Trust Fund (WPSTF) must be fully funded so alternative water supply projects, such as reclaimed water projects, desalination efforts, and the collection and storage of rainwater, can be built to produce additional and sustainable future water supplies. Not only will this help with future water supplies, alternative water supply projects will also
create jobs.

Recycling

AIF OPPOSES any attempts by the Legislature to pass a “bottle bill” to help pay for recycling efforts.

This “tax” is unnecessary as a majority of Florida’s cities and counties have excellent curbside recycling programs. Forcing families to pay even more at the store with no real impact on our environment does not make economic or environmental sense, especially in these challenging times.

AIF will also engage in Environmental issues by: Continuing to support comprehensive solid waste programs to increase recycling rates. Opposing changes to the current contamination notification laws (SB 866). Opposing the enactment of fees on tire or landfill disposals and water severance taxes in order to pay for recycling programs.

AIF Lobby Team Members Assigned to the Area of Environmental Sustainability Keyna Cory Rheb Harbison