EPA Proposes Revisions to Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Rule | Florida Specifier
The EPA has proposed revisions to the 2023 Section 401 rule, which it says exceeded the Clean Water Act’s intended scope. The new proposal would narrow the scope of state review to point-source discharges into waters of the United States and standardize certification procedures.
Florida Leads Coalition Accusing Ceres of ‘Climate Cartel’ and Antitrust Violations | CBS 12
Florida and five other states sent a warning letter to Ceres, a sustainability nonprofit, accusing it of potential antitrust and consumer-protection violations. The letter claims Ceres pressures companies to divest from certain industries and replace corporate boards to influence behavior.
Florida State Parks Adds First Park in Nearly a Decade | Florida Specifier
Florida has added its first new state park in nearly ten years with the acquisition of 217 acres in Hernando County. The new park, Weekiwachee Preserve State Park, expands access to the Weekiwachee River and protects sensitive habitats while providing new opportunities for recreation and education.
Development Bills Get Go-Ahead in Senate | Tallahassee Reports
A Senate committee advanced two bills sponsored by Sen. Stan McClain that would affect local development rules. One bill (SB 686) would allow single-family housing on agricultural “enclaves” in counties with populations under 1.75 million, while another (SB 548) would make it harder for local governments to raise impact fees on new development.
Florida Senate Panel Advances Data Center Bills Amid Industry Concerns | PoliticoPro 💲
A Florida Senate committee advanced legislation involving data centers despite concerns from industry representatives. The Regulated Industries Committee voted 8–0 to back a bill requiring the Public Service Commission to set minimum rate requirements to ensure utility customers aren’t charged more because of data centers’ power use.
Florida Senate Committee Passes Bills on Curtailing ‘Forever Chemicals’ Use | PoliticoPro 💲
Two bills aimed at protecting residents and the environment from harmful “forever chemicals” passed unanimously Tuesday in the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. One measure (SB 958) would require local governments to meet specific environmental and public-health standards when regulating drinking straws, ensuring alternatives are renewable, biodegradable, and compostable.
House Panel OKs Bill to Restore the Ocklawaha River | Florida Politics
A House subcommittee unanimously approved a bill (HB 981) to restore the Ocklawaha River, drawing strong praise from environmentalists and opposition from Putnam County officials. The measure would remove the Kirkpatrick Dam and reconnect the river with the St. Johns, a move supporters call one of Florida’s largest restoration efforts.
One of Florida’s Worst Invaders Just Had Its Biggest Secrets Revealed | ClickOrlando
University of Florida researchers have uncovered key details about the short-spined thrip, an invasive pest damaging crops across South Florida. The study found that the insects reproduce quickly in warm climates, pupate in soil, and can establish new populations from only a few individuals—factors that make them difficult to control.
Aging Septic Systems Fuel Florida’s Growing Water Quality Crisis | Sun Sentinel 💲
Failing septic systems are contributing to nutrient pollution and algae blooms throughout Florida. Aging infrastructure and population growth have intensified the problem, prompting renewed calls for better wastewater management and funding for conversions to sewer systems.
‘We Cannot Risk It’: Florida Leaders Push Back as Offshore Drilling Deadline Looms | Local 10
Florida officials and environmental groups are opposing the Trump administration’s plan to expand offshore oil drilling, which would open parts of the eastern Gulf of Mexico to new leases for the first time in decades. Local leaders say drilling off Florida’s coast threatens marine ecosystems and coastal economies.
Lawmakers are considering SB 1464, which would allow schools to partner with food banks and nonprofits to redistribute uneaten cafeteria food. The bill also promotes composting and agricultural partnerships, reducing landfill waste, methane emissions, and food insecurity.
Burning Trees to Help the Planet? South Florida Tries New Climate Tech Solution | Miami Herald
Coral Gables plans to build a $7.5 million biochar facility to convert tree and yard waste into a charcoal-like material that reduces landfill use and emissions. The project would replace land currently leased to Miami-Dade County for a waste-transfer site. City officials say the facility could cut their $1.3 million annual disposal costs by 80%.
💲 – Articles with this symbol may be blocked by a paywall
