Florida Reps Request Delay Of New EPA Water Rule

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) and eight fellow Florida Republicans wrote Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) urging him to support a request by Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) that would delay implementation of new EPA regulations on Florida’s water bodies.

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“The EPA’s proposed rule only hits Florida, and it hits us hard. This proposal would cost Florida families and businesses billions of dollars,” Rooney said. “The average household would see their water bill nearly double to $1400 annually. The billion dollar blow to industry would cost our state 14,500 jobs. How can we afford to punish Florida’s families, industry and farmers when unemployment is already above 11%?

“The EPA needs to complete a full, independent review of this proposal and the science behind it, so we can make sure we know every cost and consequence before EPA moves forward.”

Click here to read the entire letter.

Joining Rooney in signing the letter was Adam Putnam (FL-12), Vern Buchanan (FL-13), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18), Virginia Brown-Waite (FL-5), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL-21), Gus Bilirakis (FL-9), Jeff Miller (FL- 1), and John Mica (FL-7).

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Senator LeMieux’s request, which is pending before the Senate, would block funding for the implementation of the rule until at least December 3 allowing more time for the agency to consider comments and input regarding the proposal. The rule, which would set stringent new regulations for numeric nutrients in Florida’s water bodies, is scheduled to go into effect on October
15 unless Congress can force a delay.
 

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