Congressional leaders warn Florida about the pace of Everglades cleanup
Today's Tallahassee Democrat has a story about the concern Congress has about florida's lack of commitment to Everglades restoration and cleanup. Four senior members of House, from both parties signed a letter that stated they would oppose any proposal to relax deadlines or ease requirements for reduced levels of phosphorus in the Everglades by Dec. 31, 2006. These deadlines were relaxed by Florida in 2003 when the Legislature with overwhelming bi-partisan majorities passed a law that was signed by Governor Jeb Bush and opposed strongly by most leading Environmental groups. The new law was immediately challenged in court by a group that included among others U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw (R-Fort Lauderdale) and the Miccousokee Tribe of Florida.
posted by Kartik at 8:35 AM
4 Comments:
We all knew at the time that Congress wasn't going to pass the delay which was pushed by big sugar. While sugar controls the legislature and the governor (particularly south florida members of both parties, hence why this governor is in their pocket when lawton chiles and buddy mckay were against them) they have little sway over either party in congress. While the subsidy for sugar continues to survive in the House by small margins, sugar is very much on the defensive in washington unlike tallahassee.
I don't think this is much of an issue the public cares about. Of course it is critical but if your not a scientist you really don't understand it.
What about George W. Bush's almost constant attacks on the environment? How can anyone claim the GOP is pro environment?
Who cares what some tree hugging, Panther loving left wing wackos think. We need the space for development, because that creates jobs and lessens our tax burden. Look at it this way- we have no industry in South Florida and need the building growth to continue to offset the job losses elsewhere.
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