Gov. Ron DeSantis opposed a controversial Senate Budget Bill that critics claim could impact Everglades restoration.
Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby), Senate President, however, defended the bill, saying it protected restoration efforts, which include a large reservoir.
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved Wednesday’s bill (SB2508). It was opposed by environmentalists, charter boat operators, and other South Florida businesses that depend on clean waterways.
Thursday saw DeSantis inject himself into the legislative process, rejecting the bill, and saying that the state must prioritize funds for the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir ($1.9 billion), which lawmakers approved in 2017.
The reservoir was approved partly to reduce the release of contaminated water from Lake Okeechobee into Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries. These estuaries have struggled in recent times with toxic algae. The plan would also help to direct water to Everglades.
DeSantis stated, “I have been a champion of Everglades Restoration and oppose any measure to derail progress on reducing harmful emissions and sending more water the Everglades.” I also reject any attempt at deprioritizing the EAA Reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. Instead of moving legislation that would make a significant change in policy, SB2508 is being rammed through a budget process. This shortens public engagement and leaves agencies in the dark.
Critics claimed that the bill, which is linked with the Senate’s budget proposal, would eliminate money for the reservoir or threaten it. However, the bill requires the South Florida Water Management District (Sugarcane Growers included) to support bringing more water to agriculture users when applying for state funding for restoration efforts.
Simpson released a statement on Thursday stating that the proposal will not be reversed or hindered funding for Everglades restorations and the reservoir.
Simpson stated that SB 2508 does nothing to change the EAA Reservoir’s goals or reverse any environmental commitments made by the state during my 10 years of service. The governor has made a number of environmental projects a success. The environmental projects that Gov. DeSantis championed were actually initiated long before the Florida Legislature approved funding and policy. I agree with Gov. Gov. agrees with my commitment to the environment. I have also long supported these issues.
Simpson, who is running to be the state agriculture commissioner in Florida this year, has previously questioned the reservoir and advocated for South Florida water quality measures through aquifer storage/recovery wells north Lake Okeechobee.
Simpson stated in the statement that the bill would protect funds spent on environmental restoration. Simpson also stated that special interests suggesting that he is reversing on his commitments is not only absurd, but is political gamemanship.
The senators approved the bill during Wednesday’s Appropriations Committee Meeting.
Wauchula Republican Senator Ben Albritton, who chairs the Agriculture, Environment and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, stated that the Senate’s proposed budget includes $64 Million in annual funding for the reservoir, and that the related bill seeks greater accountability from the South Florida Water Management District.
Albritton stated, “I believe you’ve been misled.” I believe asking for more accountability from an agency which receives 70% of its funding from Florida is good government. That’s good government. We have the ability and the right to do this.
Jim Turner reports on the News Service of Florida
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