SB 1464 Environmental Regulation bill dead for the moment

SB 1464 Environmental Regulation did not pass yesterday in the Senate Community Affairs Committee  says environmental activist, David Cullen.

I'm happy to report that SB 1464 Environmental Regulation by Sen. Simpson was not heard in today's committee meeting.  Chair Simpson "Temporarily Passed" his own bill (which is more or less the equivalent of postponing it indefinitely under Robert's Rules.)  The bill is likely dead for the year, thoug pieces of it can be amended onto other vehicles.  We'll be watching closely for them.

In the meantime, congratulate yourself for helping to stop this bad legislation and please thank Sen. Simpson for stopping his own bill.  He did the right thing and should be recognized for it.  

His contact information:

Sen. Wilton Simpson

Hernando, Pasco , Sumter

(850) 487-5018

simpson.wilton.web@flsenate.gov

SB 1464 is the companion bill to Rep. Patronis’ HB 703 Sen. Simpson filed an amendment that strikes the section of the bill that is aimed at Martin County which requires a super-majority for the adoption of comprehensive plan amendments.  (Since Martin now has a pro-environmental commission, this is giving the development community fits.)   But there are still serious problems with the bill.

Chief among them is the provision for 30 year consumptive use permits (for water) that incentivizes big projects (developments of regional impact) in “rural areas of economic concern.”  Sierra opposes using access to water as an incentive and instead advocates treating it as a resource belonging to all the residents of the state.

CS/SB 1464: Environmental Regulation
GENERAL BILL by Environmental Preservation and Conservation ; Simpson

Environmental Regulation; Revising procedures for the transmittal and adoption of a comprehensive plan or plan amendment; exempting certain lessees of sovereignty submerged lands from lease renewal processing fees under certain circumstances; specifying the authorized duration of consumptive use permits for certain developments; encouraging certain counties to establish water well construction advisory boards; providing that proof of insurance satisfies a specified requirement to obtain a mitigation bank permit; requiring that certain criteria be incorporated into a regional water supply plan, etc.

Effective Date: 7/1/2014
Last Action: 4/3/2014 Senate - On Committee agenda-- Community Affairs, 04/08/14, 3:00 pm, 301 Senate Office Building
Location: On agenda (CA)
Bill Text: Web Page | PDF
Senate Committee References:
Environmental Preservation and Conservation (EP)
Community Affairs (CA)
Appropriations (AP)
Rules (RC)