This session, conservationists were excited at the prospect of meaningful legislation to finally protect Florida's freshwater springs. A pair of modest bills, SB 1486 by Sen. Steve Oelrich (R-Gainesville) and HB 299 by Rep. Debbie Boyd (D-High Springs), have been slowly making their way through both chambers. However, last week Rep. Boyd chose to amend her bill with language that makes it in effect ANTI-SPRINGS LEGISLATION. Springs advocates were hopeful that Sen. Oelrich would not choose to similarly amend his version, however we have just learned that he intends to do just that before the Senate Community Affairs committee this Wednesday.
If amended, SB 1486 will not only NOT help springs, it will limit our ability to conserve springs in the future.
It will:
· Enshrine language in Florida law that would say regulation of water quality is not cost-effective
· Undercut the real momentum built for Florida springs protection by the State's existing Springs Initiative
· Postpone real springs protection by directing a stacked "task force" to "study" the already well understood issues facing springs.
This is amazing that they are doing this. Taking something that was GREAT and making it something HORRIBLE!
Please go to
http://audubonaction.org/campaign/springs/
All you have to do is enter your e-mail, first name, last name and then click "Send This Message".
