Government

Expert: New Florida governor risks repeating past growth mistakes

2010 archive, Energy, Gov. Rick Scott, Government, Growth, Growth Management, Growth Management Law, Land-use Planning, Misc /

A recommendation to Governor-elect Rick Scott that the state transportation, environmental and planning agencies be combined suggests a return to Florida’s past growth management mistakes, a University of Florida planning expert said Tuesday. Scott’s regulatory reform transition team suggested combining the Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Community Affairs during the […]

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Judge not pleased with Florida in Everglades case

2010 archive, Government, Misc, Pollution, Water /

A federal judge on Friday expressed support for a new $1.5 billion federal plan to reduce Everglades pollution while raising concerns with Florida’s response to the proposal, according to the Associated Press. United States District Judge Alan. S. Gold, who in April threatened the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with contempt of court over chronic water

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Florida DEP credits controversial federal water standards

2 Comments / 2010 archive, Federal Agencies, Government, Pollution, Water /

Environmental groups say this algae bloom in 2009 on a tributary of the St. Johns River was fueled by excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous. A Florida Department of Environmental Protection official on Thursday for the first time sounded a note different from the sharp criticism leveled by state officials and industry representatives towards

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Big Cypress land deal goes through despite concerns

1 Comment / 2010 archive, Conservation, Federal Agencies, Government, Land Acquisition /

In their final meeting before all four members leave office, Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet voted Tuesday to approve the transfer of 29,412 acres of state land to the federal government as an addition to Big Cypress National Preserve. The Cabinet also approved an option to purchase a 2,848-acre conservation easement in Polk County

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New Senate environmental chairman wants to repeal septic tank inspections

1 Comment / 2010 archive, 2011 Legislature, Government, Pollution, Water /

The new chairman of the Senate’s environmental committee has introduced a bill that would repeal a new requirement that septic tanks be inspected every five years. The inspection requirement in SB 550 earlier this year was promoted by supporters as a springs protection measure. But legislators voted during the special session on Nov. 16 to

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Agency withdraws proposed growth rule changes after veto override

2010 archive, 2011 Legislature, Government, Growth, Growth Management, Growth Management Law /

The Florida Department of Community Affairs has withdrawn two controversial proposed rule changes because of the Legislature’s override of the governor’s veto of HB 1565. HB 1565 requires legislative approval for proposed regulations that could cost more than $200,000 a year for all businesses across the state. Supporters said the bill would prevent agencies from

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