FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 30, 2012

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

STATEMENT FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REGARDING EPA’S DECISION ON STATE’S NUMERIC NUTRIENT CRITERIA

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is pleased with today’s decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approving the State’s numeric nutrient criteria. The result will be cleaner water.

EPA’s decision confirms the efforts of hard working scientists at DEP. EPA’s decision is also supported by Judge Canter who, after fully reviewing the science and criteria, upheld DEP’s rules entirely.

DEP and EPA are working diligently to complete the job statewide, returning the focus to restoration rather than litigation.

While EPA has approved the State’s criteria, we are disappointed about EPA’s decision to issue new proposed federal rules.  We will work with them to craft solutions that will allow the State to assume all nutrient criteria rulemaking in Florida.

Florida knows its waters best and we remain committed on the path to a state-lead solution, which is the best answer for Florida.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. DEP enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally-sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. To view DEP’s Web site log on to www.dep.state.fl.us.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/600a88