Florida Senate Approves Legislation On Nutrient Water Quality Standards

摘要

The Florida Senate on Feb. 9 approved a bill (H.B. 7051) that could lead to federal approval of state numeric water quality standards for nitrogen and phosphorus. The 38-0 Senate vote followed unanimous approval Feb. 3 by the House, and the measure is to go next to Gov. Rick Scott (R), who is expected to sign it. Following the governor's approval, the state Department of Environmental Protection must defend an administrative challenge by environmental groups to the proposed two-rule package (42 ER 2774, 12/9/11). If DEP prevails in the challenge, the state rules would go to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval, replacing a final numeric nutrient rule put forward by EPA in November 2010 under the Clean Water Act. EPA has indicated it propably will approve the state rulemaking.