February 10, 2012

“Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) has taken a leadership role in protecting and planning for Florida’s water future. As part of that ongoing effort, AIF has spearheaded the efforts of the statewide Numeric Nutrient Criteria Task Force, a large broad based coalition of businesses, regulated industries, agriculture, utilities, and local governments concerned with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) attempts to mandate water quality standards on our state.

On behalf of the Numeric Nutrient Criteria Task Force, we applaud and thank the Florida Legislature for passing important legislation that directs the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to send its Numeric Nutrient Rules to the EPA and enables Florida to regulate its own waters. These rules set limits on the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen allowed in Florida’s waters and outlines a standardized, state-run nutrient control program. Unlike the EPA’s arbitrary water quality standards, the rules proposed by the Florida DEP are based on a decade of sound research and data collection.

The timing of this legislation is critical as the EPA currently plans to implement and promulgate federal criteria throughout Florida in 2012, unless a state numeric program is in place. AIF and the Numeric Nutrient Criteria Task Force urge Gov. Scott to sign this legislation into law, which will prevent the federal government from inflicting costly and unscientific regulations on our state and allow Florida to do what is the best interest of our water systems.”