Volume 46, Number 3
Have an idea for a story? Would you like to submit a column for consideration? Please, let us know. And remember to fill us in on your organization’s new people, programs, new offices, projects or technologies — anything of interest to environmental professionals working in Florida. Send to SPECIFIER PUBLISHING
LLC, P.O. Box 1857, Tallahassee, FL 32302.
Florida’s Environmental News Source of Record focused on news content of interest to the environmental community.
SPECIFIER PUBLISHING LLC
Publisher
Editor-In-Chief
Patrick Gillespie
Staff Writers
BLANCHE HARDY, PG
Senior Correspondent
LINA ALFIERI STERN
MBA, MSRED, LEED Green Associate
Contributing Writers and
Columnists
LISA SHIPLEY
Live Wildly Foundation
LAUREN BROOKS
Lewis, Longman, & Walker
RALPH DEMEO
Guilday Law
STEPHEN SPECTOR
Guilday Law
GREG KNECHT
The Nature Conservancy
KEYNA CORY
Florida Recycling
Partnership Foundation
FRED TINGBERG
Class-Mueller Group
JEFF LITTLEJOHN
Adams and Reese
KATHERINE MUNSON
Southwest Florida Water
Management District
CORRECTION
The March/April edition story about legislative policy items should not have included SB 738, which passed the Florida Senate but did not pass the Florida House. We regret the error. ●
The Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, passed in 2021, represents a rare instance of bipartisanship. Spanning from the Panhandle to the Everglades, it conserves millions of acres, supporting nearly 2,000 species. Recent studies highlight its role in flood prevention, wildfire risk reduction, and climate resilience.
The definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) has been a contentious issue for over two decades, with each White House attempting to redefine it. The 2023 Rule faced legal challenges, leading to a patchwork of regulations across states. The Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA and the recent White v. EPA case further complicate the situation, raising fundamental questions about federalism and state authority over water resources.
The Florida DEP has appealed a federal court’s 404 ruling that revoked its authority to issue wetlands permits. If upheld, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will maintain control. This follows a contested 2020 EPA decision transferring 404 permitting authority to Florida.
Lesstech pioneers a new era in potable water disinfection, providing comprehensive pathogen elimination with UV-C technology. This innovative approach ensures safer, cleaner drinking water without the environmental and health risks associated with chlorine.
Discover the latest updates on drinking water regulation for PFAS contaminants in the Florida Notes section. With the EPA setting new Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS compounds, public water systems face stringent monitoring and compliance requirements. Delve into the implications of these regulations for Florida’s environmental management and public health initiatives.
Delve into the complexities of PFAS regulations and their implications for drinking water safety. Discover how the EPA’s final NPDWR for PFAS sets Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS compounds, and learn about the challenges and strategies involved in compliance for public water systems.
Explore The Nature Conservancy’s pivotal role in safeguarding the Florida Wildlife Corridor, ensuring habitat connectivity and resilience for native species amidst climate change. Through strategic partnerships and conservation initiatives, TNC in Florida is preserving critical ecosystems like the Lake Wales Ridge and Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve, securing a sustainable future for Florida’s biodiversity.
Navigating recycling can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn the basics of recycling right, from understanding what materials are accepted in your local program to identifying common recyclable plastics like PET and HDPE. With simple tips on sorting and avoiding contamination, you’ll be on your way to becoming a recycling pro in no time. Let’s Recycle Right!
Discover how the Suwannee River Water Management District in North Florida prioritizes land stewardship while balancing agricultural and environmental needs. Through innovative practices and strategic initiatives, they strive to protect water resources and preserve the region’s natural ecosystems. Learn more about their commitment to sustainable land management and conservation efforts.
Orange County pioneers sustainable energy with the Southeast’s largest floating solar array. Mayor Jerry Demings emphasizes the county’s dedication to sustainability, while Chief Sustainability Officer Carrie Black highlights the environmental benefits. Explore how this innovative project propels Orange County towards its clean energy goals.
On April 4, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law allocating $750 million from gaming revenue to environmental projects. The legislation funds initiatives like the Florida wildlife corridor, invasive species removal, and resilience against flooding and sea level rise.
In 2023, global wind power capacity surged by 50 percent, yet states like Florida are restricting offshore wind energy. Florida’s new bill makes offshore wind installations illegal, contrasting with Texas and Louisiana’s ambitious wind energy projects. Explore how these states’ policies shape the future of renewable energy in the Gulf region.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ follows nine principles that help protect natural resources and preserve Florida’s beauty. These principles include using the right plants, watering efficiently, and reducing stormwater runoff. Find out how to create a vibrant, sustainable landscape that conserves water and supports the environment.
Two separate judges ruled that the Biden administration lacked authority to require states to set and report declining greenhouse gas emission targets for vehicles on the national highway system. Over 20 states, including Florida, challenged the Federal Highway Administration’s rule. The rulings in Texas and Kentucky deem the rule invalid and without statutory basis.
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has released its annual 2024 South Florida Environmental Report (SFER), highlighting significant progress in Everglades restoration and water quality across Central and Southern Florida. Key projects include the Caloosahatchee Reservoir and Taylor Slough, with a focus on enhancing the region’s water resources and ecosystems.
On April 4, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1638 into law, directing 96% of Seminole Tribe Compact revenue to fund flood control, water quality improvements, and conservation land management. Environmental leaders commend the legislation for its significant impact on Florida’s natural resources.
North American Hazardous Materials Management Association Southeast Chapter Conference When: May 6-9, 2024Where:
In the Florida Notes section of Florida Specifier, stay updated on key developments shaping environmental oversight and policy in the state. From legislative updates to court rulings and regulatory changes, this section provides concise insights into Florida’s evolving environmental landscape.
In 2023, global wind power capacity surged by 50 percent, yet states like Florida are restricting offshore wind energy. Florida’s new bill makes offshore wind installations illegal, contrasting with Texas and Louisiana’s ambitious wind energy projects. Explore how these states’ policies shape the future of renewable energy in the Gulf region.
Volume 46, Number 3
Have an idea for a story? Would you like to submit a column for consideration? Please, let us know. And remember to fill us in on your organization’s new people, programs, new offices, projects or technologies — anything of interest to environmental professionals working in Florida. Send to SPECIFIER PUBLISHING
LLC, P.O. Box 1857, Tallahassee, FL 32302.
Florida’s Environmental News Source of Record focused on news content of interest to the environmental community.
SPECIFIER PUBLISHING LLC
Publisher
Editor-In-Chief
Patrick Gillespie
Staff Writers
BLANCHE HARDY, PG
Senior Correspondent
LINA ALFIERI STERN
MBA, MSRED, LEED Green Associate
Contributing Writers and
Columnists
LISA SHIPLEY
Live Wildly Foundation
LAUREN BROOKS
Lewis, Longman, & Walker
RALPH DEMEO
Guilday Law
STEPHEN SPECTOR
Guilday Law
GREG KNECHT
The Nature Conservancy
KEYNA CORY
Florida Recycling
Partnership Foundation
FRED TINGBERG
Class-Mueller Group
JEFF LITTLEJOHN
Adams and Reese
KATHERINE MUNSON
Southwest Florida Water
Management District
CORRECTION
The March/April edition story about legislative policy items should not have included SB 738, which passed the Florida Senate but did not pass the Florida House. We regret the error. ●
Copyright 2024 Florida Specifier. All rights reserved.
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