Costs Of Proposed Water Rule To Get Another Look

After much controversy and conjecture, EPA is now working with the National Academy of Sciences to review cost estimates for Floridians to meet stricter water standards. The regulation features proposed limits for the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a in Florida streams, canals, rivers, and lakes.

Since being introduced more than a year ago a result of a lawsuit filed by the group EarthJustice, the proposed regulation has faced resistance.

♦Florida Numeric Nutrient Criteria Timeline♦

The main concern expressed by Floridians via public meetings held all over the state centered on the potential high price tag associated with bringing affected waterways into compliance. Studies produced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, as well as two independent studies, show the impact to Florida’s economy will be in the billions. The EPA’s anticipated cost is closer to $200 million.

•ºWant a better understanding of EPA’s numeric nutrient criteria?for a primer.

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) said EPA’s agreement to complete a study of the economic impact of the agency’s proposed mandate to regulate numeric nutrients in Florida’s rivers, lakes, and streams is a good first step toward bringing all sides to the table and reach an agreement.
“While we still await an answer to our request of the EPA to conduct an independent review of the science behind the rule, we are grateful to Administrator Lisa Jackson for her agreement to review the overall cost to the state of Florida,” Rooney said.  “In these difficult economic times, when unemployment is still above 10% in our state, we have to weigh the costs of any new mandate very carefully. The decision by the EPA to review the costs with an independent audit is a good first step.”