September 18, 2012

On Thursday, September 6th the 3rd annual Florida Water Forum welcomed nearly 200 attendees to the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld to address Florida’s key issues relating to water policy.  Hosted by Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) and the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA), the Forum hosted an excellent lineup of Florida legislators, technical experts and agency staff. This year’s speakers included:

• A panel discussion featuring Rep. Dana Young (R-Tampa), Rep. Steve Crisafulli (R-Merritt Island), Rep. Steve Perman (D-Boca Raton), and Rep. Elizabeth Porter (R-Lake City) to discuss the impact of the implementation of new reclaimed water legislation, use of agriculture lands for water storage, cooperative efforts among Florida’s Water Management Districts, as well as water issues to be addressed during the 2013 Legislative Session.

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Herschel Vinyard was also on hand to provide a new outlook of the department under his administration.

• Senator Chris Smith (D-Oakland Park) provided a brief update via video to discuss his support for state-driven Numeric Nutrient Criteria (NNC) policy. Drew Bartlett with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, David Childs of Hopping Green & Sams, John Urbanchuk with Cardno Entrix and Paul Steinbrecher with JEA Utilities joined the NNC conversation in-person by providing their analyses.

• Greg Munson, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, concluded the program with a detailed overview of consumptive use permitting consistency.

“Associated Industries of Florida continues to take a leadership role on issues related to water because a healthy, sustainable water supply is absolutely essential for business operations and our state’s overall economic vitality,” said Tom Feeney, AIF President and CEO. “We are pleased to once again partner with the FSAWWA to bring policy makers and experts together to create frank and forward-thinking dialogue about Florida’s water future.”

 

“Florida is in the midst of a water crisis. Increasingly scarce groundwater supplies have been exacerbated by burdensome and unscientifically-based regulations, acrimonious litigation, challenges to water management district permits, restrictions on new economic development, and in some areas, a continued decline in natural resources,” said Rick Ratcliffe, Chair of the FSAWWA. “An unstable water future will ultimately wreak havoc on Florida’s economy and environment. We are honored to work with AIF to host this forum and, together, help identify solutions that will ensure the availability of safe, sustainable and affordable water resources.”

The annual event has garnered overwhelming recognition by business community leaders, regional and local government officials, and members of the general public. Visit flawaterforum.com to learn more!