Rooney Applauds Florida Environmental Commission Approval of Reasonable Numeric Nutrient Standards
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today issued the following statement after the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission unanimously approved amended rules for numeric nutrient standards for Florida’s rivers, lakes, streams, spring and estuaries:
“For supporters of the Indian River Lagoon, environmental advocates, farmers and small businesses across our state, this compromise is vitally important. This agreement proves that we don’t have to sacrifice the environment to protect jobs, or vice versa,” Rooney said. “These new rules strike the right balance, using sound science, to keep our water clean and safe, without being so burdensome that they would drive businesses, farms and much-needed jobs out of our state.”
For months, Rooney has led a bipartisan charge to reach a compromise on numeric nutrient criteria, following an effort by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last year to impose new mandates on Florida – and only Florida – that studies showed could cost the state as much as $2 billion annually and double the average household water bill, and were based on questionable science.
“By bringing all sides to the table, as I and others have advocated, Florida was able to reach a compromise that I think everyone can support.”
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