Misc

EPA regional chief visits Tallahassee, may discuss water quality controversy

Misc /

The regional administrator from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency today visits Tallahassee to meet with Florida officials and attend an event at Florida A&M; University. Gwen Keyes Fleming will have an introductory meeting with Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard, according to DEP. There’s no word on what they may talk about […]

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Facing elimination, DCA employees question Gov. Rick Scott

Misc /

After hearing Gov. Rick Scott speak Tuesday during a visit to the Florida Department of Community affairs, department systems programmer Robab Fayazi said she remains worried about losing her job there. Scott was peppered with questions by employees at the department, which he is proposing to eliminate. DCA oversees local growth management decisions and it

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House, Senate to give closer scrutiny to budget this week

Misc /

House and Senate budget writers this week will be looking for ways to cut environmental agencies’ budgets after questioning some of Gov. Rick Scott’s own recommended 2011-12 budget cuts last week. Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations holds hearings Tuesday through Thursday. The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee meets Tuesday and Wednesday

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Senate bill would scrap Florida’s climate program

2 Comments / 2011 Legislature, Climate Change, Energy, Government, Misc /

A bill filed by Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, would eliminate Florida’s greenhouse gas emissions cap-and-trade program before one was ever adopted. Climate change and regulation of greenhouse gas emissions was a priority of Gov. Charlie Crist soon after he took office in 2007, but it dropped as a priority after 2008. Gov. Rick Scott, who

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Scott plans realignment of Florida’s growth management agency

2011 Legislature, Gov. Rick Scott, Government, Growth Management, Growth Management Law, Misc /

Gov. Rick Scott said Monday he plans to cut $1 billion in government spending over two years by consolidating and streamlining government including the Florida Department of Community Affairs. Scott’s plan — which included only a few details — would remove all regulatory functions from DCA and move them to other state agencies. Scott also

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Lawsuit says pesticides threaten Florida wildlife species

Forests & Agriculture, Misc, Wildlife /

Two national environmental groups on Thursday filed a lawsuit claiming that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had failed to consult with wildlife agencies on regulating pesticides that are harmful to endangered species, including the Florida panther. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Pesticide Action Network, cites the

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Century Commission says it should develop Florida strategic plan

2011 Legislature, Growth Management, Misc /

The Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida says it wants to help Florida develop a strategic plan as suggested by Gov. Rick Scott. Scott in November told the Florida Council of 100 that the state “lacks a sufficiently focused strategic plan,” according to a copy of a prepared speech. The Century Commission for a Sustainable

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Septic tanks inspection delay becomes law without signature

2011 Legislature, Gov. Rick Scott, Government, Legislation, Misc, Pollution, Water /

Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday allowed a bill to become law that delays a statewide inspection requirement for septic tanks. The inspection requirement was in SB 550, which then-Gov. Charlie Crist signed in June with support that included the Sierra Club Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association. Supporters said the requirement would protect public

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Florida Power & Light told to revise its energy conservation plan

Conservation, Energy, Misc, Utilities /

The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday told Florida Power & Light Co. to resubmit its energy conservation plan to meet yearly goals established by the agency under state law. FPL, the state’s largest utility with 2.1 million customers, was the last among seven utilities to have its plans reviewed by the PSC as provided

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