Legislative tornadoes forecast as a result of the 2010 November election are ripping through Tallahassee. One is embodied in HB 991: comprised of scores of special interest changes to long-standing environmental policies. The bill limits local regulation of mining, affirms that groundwater can be contaminated by landfills, allows increased development in wetlands, and excuses some owners of underground tanks from protecting groundwater from leaking fuel, while greatly diminishing the rights of citizens to challenge environmentally harmful projects.
House leaders could send the bill back to committee and Senate leaders should resist special interest attempts to amend the bill’s bad provisions to unrelated legislation, but there is a good chance that the bill will vault through rules. HB 991 was supposed to go through two more committees (Appropriations and State Affairs) but House leaders avoided this requirement and put this bad bill on the fast track to passage. If there is one phone call to make this legislative session, call your Representative: vote 'NO' on the Frankenstein Bill. Click 'read more' for further analysis:
A bill that changes 34 different sections of environmental laws may soon be voted in the Florida House of Representatives.
Undermines Peoples’ Rights to Challenge Environmental Permits (Section 1),
The bill stacks the deck against citizens who challenge permits, even if harmed by the permitted activity. Current law requires the applicant and the agency to defend the issuance of permits and is very specific in the order of presentation of evidence and arguments in hearings. The bill shifts the complete burden on those persons challenging permits and therefore reduces the rights of citizens to protect themselves.
Damage to the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve (Section 8)
The bill threatens the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, which is a uniquely beautiful and protected area that is threatened by a relaxation in permitting. Municipal applicants want to bypass state laws that would prevent dredging and filling of sensitive waterfront land to allow a new development.
Limits Local Regulation of Stormwater & Wetlands Protection (Section 18)
The bill forces local governments to give up stormwater and wetlands protection programs if they have not received state delegation. This limits the ability of communities to protect and provide for their own resources when state rules fall short.
Limits Local Governments from Regulating Mines (Section 21)
Local governments know best when mining operations need oversight and their own watchful eye. Under this bill, all counties and cities would be preempted from regulating aggregate mining operations except in the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Area. Citizens often turn to their local officials to protect water resources.
Citizens Lose More Say Over Landfills (Section 29)
Solid waste permits, such as landfills, are typically permitted for 5-10 year periods and often draw a lot of community involvement in the permitting process. This bill would extend the life of these permits to 20 years which means fewer opportunities for citizen involvement in the permitting process.
Allows Underground Storage Tanks More Time to Pollute (Section 34)
Underground storage tanks have had 20 years to upgrade underground tanks to protect groundwater. This bill would extend the deadline to December 31, 2012…a full two years after the original date for compliance thereby increasing the likelihood of contaminants leaking into the state’s drinking water. Enough’s enough! Change out those tanks
Florida House 2011 (check the back of your voter card for your Representative’s District)
Representative District Local Phone Email Address Local Delegations
Rep. Joseph Abruzzo 85 (850) 488-4791 joseph.abruzzo@myfloridahouse.gov Palm Beach
Rep. Janet Adkins 12 (850) 488-6920 janet.adkins@myfloridahouse.gov Baker, Bradford Clay, Duval, Nassau, Union
Rep. Larry Ahern 51 (850) 488-6197 larry.ahern@myfloridahouse.gov Pinellas
Rep. Ben Albritton 66 (850) 488-9465 ben.albritton@myfloridahouse.gov Hardee, Highlands, Polk
Rep. Frank Artiles 119 (850) 488-9550 frank.artiles@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. Gary Aubuchon 74 (850) 488-7433 gary.aubuchon@myfloridahouse.gov Charlotte, Lee
Rep. Dennis Baxley 24 (850) 488-0335 dennis.baxley@myfloridahouse.gov Marion
Rep. Leonard Bembry 10 (850) 488-7870 leonard.bembry@myfloridahouse.gov Alachua Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Levy, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla
Rep. Lori Berman 86 (850) 488-1662 lori.berman@myfloridahouse.gov Palm Beach
Rep. Mack Bernard 84 (850) 488-8632 mack.bernard@myfloridahouse.gov Palm Beach
Rep. Michael Bileca 117 (850) 488-6506 michael.bileca@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. Jim Boyd 68 (850) 488-4086 jim.boyd@myfloridahouse.gov Hillsborough, Manatee
Rep. Jeffrey ''Jeff'' Brandes 52 (850) 488-5719 jeff.brandes@myfloridahouse.gov Pinellas
Rep. Jason T. Brodeur 33 (850) 488-0468 jason.brodeur@myfloridahouse.gov Orange, Seminole, Volusia
Rep. Doug Broxson 1 (850) 488-8188 doug.broxson@myfloridahouse.gov Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa
Rep. Dwight M. Bullard (D) 118 (850) 488-5430 dwight.bullard@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. Rachel Burgin 56 (850) 488-9910 rachel.burgin@myfloridahouse.gov Hillsborough
Rep. Matt Caldwell 73 (850) 488-1541 matt.caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov Lee
Rep. Daphne Campbell 108 (850) 488-4233 daphne.campbell@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. Dean Cannon 35 (850) 488-2742 dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov Orange
Rep. Charles Chuck"" Chestnut 23 (850) 488-5794 charles.chestnut@myfloridahouse.gov Alachua, Marion
Rep. Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed 92 (850) 488-0880 gwyn.clarke-reed@myfloridahouse.gov Broward
Rep. Jeff Clemens 89 (850) 488-0260 jeff.clemens@myfloridahouse.gov Palm Beach
Rep. Marti Coley 7 (850) 488-2873 marti.coley@myfloridahouse.gov Bay, Calhoun, Gadsden, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Wakulla, Walton
Rep. Richard Corcoran 45 (850) 488-8528 richard.corcoran@myfloridahouse.gov Pasco, Pinellas
Rep. Fredrick W. ''Fred'' Costello 26 (850) 488-9873 fred.costello@myfloridahouse.gov Flagler, Volusia
Rep. Steve Crisafulli 32 (850) 488-4669 steve.crisafulli@myfloridahouse.gov Brevard, Orange
Rep. Janet Cruz 58 (850) 488-9460 janet.cruz@myfloridahouse.gov Hillsborough
Rep. Daniel Davis 13 (850) 488-5102 daniel.davis@myfloridahouse.gov Clay, Duval
Rep. Jose Felix Diaz 115 (850) 488-3616 jose.diaz@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. Chris Dorworth 34 (850) 488-5843 chris.dorworth@myfloridahouse.gov Orange, Seminole
Rep. Brad Drake 5 (850) 488-4726 brad.drake@myfloridahouse.gov Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Walton, Washington
Rep. Eric Eisnaugle 40 (850) 488-9770 eric.eisnaugle@myfloridahouse.gov Orange
Rep. Clay Ford 3 (850) 488-0895 clay.ford@myfloridahouse.gov Escambia, Santa Rosa
Rep. Erik Fresen 111 (850) 488-4092 erik.fresen@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. Jim Frishe 54 (850) 488-9960 james.frishe@myfloridahouse.gov Pinellas
Rep. Reggie Fullwood 15 (850) 488-7417 reggie.fullwood@myfloridahouse.gov Duval
Rep. Matt Gaetz (M) 4 (850) 488-1170 matt.gaetz@myfloridahouse.gov Okaloosa, Santa Rosa
Rep. Luis R. Garcia, Jr. (L) 107 (850) 488-9930 luis.garcia@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. Joe Gibbons 105 (850) 488-0145 joe.gibbons@myfloridahouse.gov Broward
Rep. Rich Glorioso 62 (850) 488-0807 rich.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov Hillsborough, Pasco
Rep. Eddy Gonzalez 102 (850) 488-1683 eddy.gonzalez@myfloridahouse.gov Broward, Miami-Dade
Rep. Tom Goodson 29 (850) 488-3006 tom.goodson@myfloridahouse.gov Brevard, Indian River
Rep. James ''J.W.'' Grant 47 (850) 488-0275 james.grant@myfloridahouse.gov Hillsborough
Rep. Denise Grimsley 77 (850) 488-3457 denise.grimsley@myfloridahouse.gov Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highlands
Rep. Bill Hager 87 (850) 488-2234 bill.hager@myfloridahouse.gov Broward, Palm Beach
Rep. Gayle Harrell 81 (850) 488-8749 gayle.harrell@myfloridahouse.gov Martin St. Lucie
Rep. Shawn Harrison 60 (850) 488-3087 shawn.harrison@myfloridahouse.gov Hillsborough, Pasco
Rep. Doug Holder 70 (850) 488-1171 doug.holder@myfloridahouse.gov Sarasota
Rep. Ed Hooper 50 (850) 488-1540 ed.hooper@myfloridahouse.gov Pinellas
Rep. Mike Horner 79 (850) 488-8992 mike.horner@myfloridahouse.gov Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Polk
Rep. Matt Hudson 101 (850) 488-1028 matt.hudson@myfloridahouse.gov Broward, Collier
Rep. Dorothy Hukill 28 (850) 488-6653 dorothy.hukill@myfloridahouse.gov Volusia
Rep. Clay Ingram 2 (850) 488-8278 clay.ingram@myfloridahouse.gov Escambia
Rep. Evan Jenne 100 (850) 488-0245 evan.jenne@myfloridahouse.gov Broward
Rep. Mia Jones (M) 14 (850) 488-6893 mia.jones@myfloridahouse.gov Duval
Rep. John Patrick Julien 104 (850) 488-7088 john.julien@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. Martin Kiar 97 (850) 487-1588 martin.kiar@myfloridahouse.gov Broward
Rep. Paige Kreegel 72 (850) 488-9175 paige.kreegel@myfloridahouse.gov Charlotte, DeSoto, Lee
Rep. Rick Kriseman 53 (850) 488-9337 rick.kriseman@myfloridahouse.gov Pinellas
Rep. John Legg 46 (850) 488-5522 john.legg@myfloridahouse.gov Pasco
Rep. Ana Rivas Logan 114 (850) 488-2831 ana.logan@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera 113 (850) 488-4202 carlos.lopez-cantera@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. Debbie Mayfield 80 (850) 488-0952 debbie.mayfield@myfloridahouse.gov Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie
Rep. Charles McBurney 16 (850) 488-4171 charles.mcburney@myfloridahouse.gov Duval
Rep. Seth McKeel 63 (850) 488-9890 seth.mckeel@myfloridahouse.gov Hillsborough, Polk
Rep. Larry Metz 25 (850) 488-0348 larry.metz@myfloridahouse.gov Lake, Seminole, Volusia
Rep. George R. Moraitis, Jr. 91 (850) 488-0635 george.moraitis@myfloridahouse.gov Broward, Palm Beach
Rep. Peter Nehr 48 (850) 488-5580 peter.nehr@myfloridahouse.gov Pasco, Pinellas
Rep. Bryan Nelson 38 (850) 488-2023 bryan.nelson@myfloridahouse.gov Orange
Rep. Jeanette M. Nuñez 112 (850) 488-7897 jeanette.nunez@myfloridahouse.gov Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade
Rep. Marlene O'Toole 42 (850) 488-5991 marlene.otoole@myfloridahouse.gov Lake, Marion, Sumter
Rep. Mark Pafford 88 (850) 488-0175 mark.pafford@myfloridahouse.gov Palm Beach
Rep. Kathleen C. Passidomo 76 (850) 488-4487 kathleen.passidomo@myfloridahouse.gov Collier
Rep. Jimmy T. Patronis 6 (850) 488-9696 jimmy.patronis@myfloridahouse.gov Bay, Franklin, Gulf
Rep. Steven M. ''Steve'' Perman 78 (850) 488-5588 steve.perman@myfloridahouse.gov Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie
Rep. W. Keith Perry 22 (850) 488-0887 keith.perry@myfloridahouse.gov Alachua, Levy, Marion
Rep. Ray Pilon 69 (850) 488-7754 ray.pilon@myfloridahouse.gov Manatee, Sarasota
Rep. Scott Plakon 37 (850) 488-2231 scott.plakon@myfloridahouse.gov Orange, Seminole
Rep. Elizabeth W. Porter 11 (850) 488-9835 elizabeth.porter@myfloridahouse.gov Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Suwannee
Rep. Ari Porth 96 (850) 488-2124 ari.porth@myfloridahouse.gov Broward
Rep. Steve Precourt 41 (850) 488-0256 steve.precourt@myfloridahouse.gov Lake, Orange, Osceola
Rep. Bill Proctor 20 (850) 488-2977 bill.proctor@myfloridahouse.gov Clay, Flagler, St. Johns
Rep. Scott Randolph 36 (850) 488-0660 scott.randolph@myfloridahouse.gov Orange
Rep. Lake Ray 17 (850) 488-4388 lake.ray@myfloridahouse.gov Duval
Rep. Betty Reed 59 (850) 488-5432 betty.reed@myfloridahouse.gov Hillsborough
Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda 9 (850) 488-0965 michelle.rehwinkel@myfloridahouse.gov Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon
Rep. Ronald ''Doc'' Renuart 18 (850) 488-0001 ronald.renuart@myfloridahouse.gov Duval, St. Johns
Rep. Kenneth L. Roberson 71 (850) 488-0060 ken.roberson@myfloridahouse.gov Charlotte, Lee, Sarasota
Rep. Hazelle ''Hazel'' Rogers 94 (850) 488-8234 hazelle.rogers@myfloridahouse.gov Broward
Rep. Patrick Rooney, Jr. 83 (850) 488-0322 pat.rooney@myfloridahouse.gov Palm Beach
Rep. Darryl Rouson 55 (850) 488-0925 darryl.rouson@myfloridahouse.gov Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota
Rep. Franklin Sands 98 (850) 488-0590 franklin.sands@myfloridahouse.gov Broward
Rep. Ron Saunders 120 (850) 488-9965 ron.saunders@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade, Monroe
Rep. Robert Schenck 44 (850) 488-6641 robert.schenck@myfloridahouse.gov Hernando, Pasco, Sumter
Rep. Elaine Schwartz 99 (850) 488-0465 elaine.schwartz@myfloridahouse.gov Broward
Rep. Irving ''Irv'' Slosberg 90 (850) 488-1302 irving.slosberg@myfloridahouse.gov Broward, Palm Beach
Rep. Jimmie T. Smith (J) 43 (850) 488-0805 jimmie.smith@myfloridahouse.gov Citrus, Hernando, Levy
Rep. William Snyder 82 (850) 488-8832 william.snyder@myfloridahouse.gov Martin, Palm Beach, St. Lucie
Rep. Darren Soto 49 (850) 488-9240 darren.soto@myfloridahouse.gov Orange, Osceola
Rep. Cynthia A. Stafford 109 (850) 488-0625 cynthia.stafford@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. Kelli Stargel 64 (850) 488-2270 kelli.stargel@myfloridahouse.gov Polk
Rep. Richard L. Steinberg 106 (850) 488-0690 richard.steinberg@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. W. Gregory ''Greg'' Steube 67 (850) 488-6341 greg.steube@myfloridahouse.gov Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota
Rep. Dwayne Taylor 27 (850) 488-0580 dwayne.taylor@myfloridahouse.gov Volusia
Rep. Geraldine Thompson 39 (850) 488-0760 geraldine.thompson@myfloridahouse.gov Orange
Rep. Perry E. Thurston, Jr. 93 (850) 488-1084 perry.thurston@myfloridahouse.gov Broward
Rep. John Tobia 31 (850) 488-2528 john.tobia@myfloridahouse.gov Brevard
Rep. Carlos Trujillo 116 (850) 488-5047 carlos.trujillo@myfloridahouse.gov Miami-Dade
Rep. Charles E. Van Zant 21 (850) 488-0665 charles.vanzant@myfloridahouse.gov Bradford, Clay, Lake, Marion, Putnam, Volusia
Rep. James W. Jim"" Waldman 95 (850) 488-3164 jim.waldman@myfloridahouse.gov Broward
Rep. Barbara Watson 103 (850) 488-0766 barbara.watson@myfloridahouse.gov Broward, Miami-Dade
Rep. Will W. Weatherford 61 (850) 488-5744 will.weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov Hillsborough, Pasco
Rep. Michael B. Weinstein 19 (850) 488-1304 mike.weinstein@myfloridahouse.gov Clay, Duval, St. Johns
Rep. Alan B. Williams (A) 8 (850) 488-1798 alan.williams@myfloridahouse.gov Gadsden, Leon
Rep. Trudi Williams (T) 75 (850) 488-2047 trudi.williams@myfloridahouse.gov Collier, Lee
Rep. John Wood 65 (850) 488-2721 john.wood@myfloridahouse.gov Polk
Rep. Ritch Workman 30 (850) 488-9720 ritch.workman@myfloridahouse.gov Brevard
Rep. Dana D. Young 57 (850) 488-2770 dana.young@myfloridahouse.gov Hillsborough
7 comments:
HB 991 includes a provision (Amendment 8) specifically targeting Biscayne Bay - exempting a municipality from the "hardship" rule if they want to dredge and develop in the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. Who is behind this?
Anon, probably a municipality who wants to develop along the waterfront.
Have the elected officials from Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay stepped up to make their voices heard to the legislature? These cities have the most to lose. Coral Gables once bragged about its length of coast line. Perhaps Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay should change their names to reflect the loss of the future for the bay
Forget the District 8 commissioner, she is all for the mistaken belief of job creation that the deregulating the bay can create.
Good news the Biscayne Bay Aquatic preserve as well as Estero Bay will remain open because of the public outcry to the legislature over the past 48 hours!Calls have been making a difference! Lets do eveything we can to protect our Bay on EVERY front! Lets kill 991 it is worth and hour of everyones time...
Must be seen to be believed. Surfside is way out of control or should we say -- way under control of corrupters of processes and outcomes....... it needs to be confronted by exposure and investigation to get to the bottom of it all.
http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2011/04/lynn_dannheisser_surfside_town_1.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7dPth4irQc
http://www.savesurfside.org
http://www.controlssurfsideflorida.blogspot.com
Unfortunately HB 991 sailed through 95-16 in less than 7 minutes without discussion - the worst anti-environmental bill in Florida's history. What will the Senate do? It's worth keeping up the pressure with calls and letters through Monday.
Perhaps... the owner of the Palmetto Bay Town Center (aka Burger King Headquarters) is shooting to open the marina with bay access on his property. The marina would be adjacent to his townhomes. It was stopped from development under Burger King by the National Park.
The Palmetto Bay council members are immature in some ways when it comes to state politics which could hurt them. BUT there are some council members with powerful lobbyist connections, republicans, certain county commissioners and more than one has direct ties to developers and the owner of the property.
I don't have faith in the scruples of the council. Who are the lobbyists and principals involved in the bill?
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