Florida's legislature is sacrificing protections for our wetlands, wildlife, inland waters, forests and open spaces to "improve" the business climate. The Florida House and Senate are promoting bills that put the interests of developers above the health of Floridians and their environment.
Can you believe these bill proposals to "streamline" development projects? Legislators want to:
Reduce environmental review on proposed projects
Diminish citizen participation in the permitting process
Extend developers' permits for up to three years
Shorten deadlines for agencies to issue permits
Presume projects are in compliance when a "professional" (hired by developers) says so
Deprive challengers of due process
Shift the burden of proof to those trying to protect the environment
Urge your State Legislators to oppose "streamlining" proposals that sacrifice the environment; these shortsighted policies will hurt, not help, the economy!
Together we can ensure that land use proposals receive thorough and complete review. We can protect natural resources that give us the clean air and water we need for our families and also for the billions of dollars in revenue generated each year by coastal tourism, recreational and commercial fishing industries, and agriculture.
Tell your Florida House and Senate members you oppose "streamlining" environmental review and permitting; our natural resources, particularly wetlands, comprise the State's most important economic, cultural, and historical assets.
Bills will be voted on by May 1, so its important that you take action today: http://action.sierraclub.org/NoStreamlining
Demand that your Senator and Representative oppose unwarranted permit extensions, "professional certification" schemes, and preemption of local or state review.
Thanks for all you do to protect Florida!
Frank Jackalone
Sierra Club, Florida