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Congressman Plans Orlando Hearing to Protest New Florida Water Regs  August 8, 2011 | WMFE - The debate over new federal water pollution standards for Florida is flaring up again this week. Republican Congressman Cliff Stearns of Ocala is holding a hearing in Orlando Tuesday on what he calls a federal "takeover" of the state's pollution rules. [Image: Banana River Aquatic Preserve - Courtesy Florida Department of Environmental Protection] The US Environmental Protection Agency is set to impose new limits next year on nitrogen and phosphorous levels in Florida waterways. The state and numerous utility and agriculture groups are fighting the restrictions, saying they would cost billions of dollars a year to implement. Environmentalists argue the cost is much lower. Environmental groups are upset that Congressman Stearns has not invited any clean water advocates to testify at this week's Orlando hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Stearns chairs the committee. The hearing is planned for Tuesday at 10am at the University of Central Florida Alumni Center. |
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