The Tallahassee Democrat's Pam McVety wrote an article on February 22, 2012, about the lack of concern for Florida's environmental needs during the 2012 Legislative Session.- Read what she had to say here.
Today, February 22, 2012, the Tampa Bay Times' Craig Pittman published an article about the recent deal between the world's largest phosphate mining company and environmental groups. The company is expected to preserve 400 acres of land and 70 acres of wetlands. -Read more from this article about how "environmental groups hailed the settlement as a major victory".
Additionally, Times' Columnist, Dan DeWitt, wrote an article February 22, 2012, about SB 1986. "Water management wasn't centralized because state leaders at the time believed local representatives would have the most knowledge about their region's water supply ..." saidformer Department of Environmental Regulation Secretary, Vicki Tschinkel. - Read more all of Vicki Tschinkel had to say on the issue here at Will political bullies decide water policy in Florida?
Kevin Spear of the Orlando Sentinel wrote an article yesterday, February, 21, 2012, about the growing conflicts surrounding SB 1986, a bill that would essentially politicize water resource management by state officials. -Read more on this serious matter here in As water wars rage, state might step in.
The Gainesville Sun's Christopher Curry wrote an article on February 21, 2012, about Alachua County's recently approved water resolution against the centralization of our state's five water management districts. -Read more here in Keep water districts, county tells Legislature.
Today, February 21, 2012, Earthjustice filed suit against the U.S. Forest Service over the removal of a dam from the Ocklawaha River in order to protect the imperiled manatee and shortnose sturgeon. -Read the complete Earthjustice press release here.
In national news, Flagler Live published an article on February 19, 2012, about HR 3408, a bill that would allow oil drilling right of the beaches in Florida. Representative Kathy Castor stated that" Florida's tourism industry, meanwhile, employs more than 1 million people. Tourism and fishing are multibillion-dollar industries. Drilling closer to our shores puts those jobs at risk."-Read Drill, Baby, Drill:How Mica and Other Florida Republicans Rejected Everglades Protection here.
The Current's Bruce Ritchie wrote an article yesterday, February 20, 2012, regarding SB 1158, a bill sponsored by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Crestview, which would further exploration of oil and natural gas in Florida. -Read more about what Ritchie had to say here in Bill sponsor owns land surrounded by state forest where company is exploring for oil.
Capitol News Service's Whitney Ray wrote an article yesterday, February 20, 2012, about the current effort by the Florida Senate to fund parks and trails through the opening of Florida trails to advertisers. -Read more aboutSB 268 here in Trails for Sale.
The Current's Bruce Ritchie wrote an article on February 17, 2012, about the EPA's latest decision to delay federal pollution rules shortly after Governor Rick Scott signed state water quality legislation. - Read U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agrees to delay federal pollution rules.
Virginia Chamlee of the Florida Independent wrote an article on February 17, 2012, regarding Florida legislators' recent decision to prevent oil and gas exploration in the Everglades. -Read more here.
The Gainesville Sun's Christopher Curry, published an article on February, 18, 2012, over the growing concerns over regional water supplies by public officials. -Read Regional water group may lead the battle over water use to learn more about this important issue.
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