Florida's springs, rivers
and lakes are among our most precious resources, providing habitat for wildlife,
clean drinking water for residents, and some of the state's most visited attractions.
But if a powerful group
of developers and agriculture moguls get their way, the laws that protect Florida's
water resources will be undermined. Worse,
they could transform our water policy into an engine for unsustainable growth.
Such a water grab would irreparably harm Florida's natural places, wildlife
and quality of life. We need to protect Florida's water supply and plan for
sustainable growth.
Florida's senators and representatives
need to know that the people of Florida do not want a water policy that would
harm our natural environment and wildlife and fuel unsustainable urban sprawl
and poorly planned developments across the state.
How You Can Help
Call your state Senator:
Phone calls from constituents can make a big difference. To find out who your
state Senator is and to get his or her phone number,
click
here.
Sign up for E-Alerts: You can sign up to receive free E-alerts. E-alerts offer an effective and easy
way for you to make your voice heard on critical policy decisions.
Brief Summary
A powerful coalition of large developers,
major landowners, corporate agriculture giants and powerful business representatives
are now debating the future of Florida's most precious public resource: water.
The largest and most powerful
of these special interest coalitions is known as the Council of 100, a governor
appointed council that advises the state on public policies. The Council of 100 has
recommended a series of proposals that would harm Florida's natural environment.
One of the recommendations is to redefine water as a statewide
resource rather than a local one by setting up a statewide water advisory council.
This could potentially open the door to funneling water from water-rich areas
in the north to areas of rapid sprawling development in the central and southern
parts of the state.
Environment Florida and other critics have denounced
the proposals as a recipe for a gigantic water grab, akin to the sprawling aqueduct
network that California uses to move water across deserts and mountains from
the Colorado River. The results could deplete north Florida and cause irreparable
harm to hundreds of Florida lakes, rivers and streams, as well as the web of
life dependent upon them.
