Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryAugust 27, 2015

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved a settlement agreement previously negotiated between Florida Power & Light (FPL) and the Office of Public Counsel. FPL ratepayers will pay $520.5 million to purchase and then phase out the Cedar Bay Generating coal-fired power plant in Jacksonville, located near the St. John’s River. “As we continue to […]

Bruce RitchieMay 1, 2015

Another legislative session dubbed the “year of water” failed to deliver in 2015 as the House went home early over a health care spending dispute with the Senate. HB 7003, a water bill that was a legislative priority of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, passed the House by a 106-9 vote on the second day of […]

Bruce RitchieApril 23, 2015

Language from a comprehensive House water bill was added on Thursday to other environmental legislation in the House over objections from Democrats. The water bill language lacks key components of the Senate bill that are important to that chamber’s leadership, raising questions about whether the move represents gamesmanship between the two chambers. Some environmentalists say […]

Bruce RitchieApril 14, 2015

Despite objections from environmentalists, a Senate subcommittee on Tuesday amended a state lands bill to require that state parks be reviewed to determine whether could be used by “low impact agriculture” or whether the state still needs them. SB 7086 is preferred by environmental groups compared to the House version of the bill, which would allow […]

Bruce RitchieApril 8, 2015

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli said Wednesday that the Senate is getting closer to the House on a comprehensive water bill but differences remain. SB 918 was rewritten in a committee on Wednesday in response to requests by business groups and environmentalists, both of whom had raised concerns. Both sides still have issues, with environmentalists remaining […]

Bruce RitchieApril 7, 2015

A bill that would allow the Cabinet to give away state land on Tuesday passed its only committee stop with changes requested by environmental groups. HB 7135 would establish “low-impact agriculture” as a management goal for state lands. The bill also would allow the Cabinet to give away state parks and other state lands to […]

Bruce RitchieApril 7, 2015

Rep. Matt Caldwell said Tuesday he hopes a series of amendments he filed will make his HB 7135 state lands bill acceptable to environmental opponents. The bill is scheduled to be considered at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday by the House Appropriations Committee. HB 7135 would allow the Cabinet to give away state parks and other state […]

Bruce RitchieApril 6, 2015

Eric Draper of Audubon Florida told a television audience this weekend that legislators are showing they are “out of sync” with voters who supported Amendment 1. Seventy-five percent of voters in November approved the funding initiative that would provide an estimated $742 million for water and land conservation in the 2015-16 state budget. Environmental groups […]

Bruce RitchieApril 6, 2015

What had become the “year of the environment” for the 2015 legislative session has become a year of disappointment for some environmentalists. Amendment 1 and statewide water policy were major issues heading into the session, with growth management also emerging once the opening gavel dropped. Approved by 75 percent of voters in November, Amendment 1 provides […]

Bruce RitchieApril 5, 2015

What had become the “year of the environment” for the 2015 legislative session has become a year of disappointment for some environmentalists. Amendment 1 and statewide water policy were major issues heading into the session, with growth management also emerging once the opening gavel dropped. Approved by 75 percent of voters in November, Amendment 1 provides […]

Tag: audubon florida

FPL gains OK to purchase, close coal-fired plant in Jacksonville

“Year of water” failed along with most environmental bills

House water bill language finds new home as Session winds down

Senate amendment requires review of state parks for ag use or disposal

Speaker says water bills closer, advisory council possible sticking point

Amended state lands bill passes committee, heads to House floor

Matt Caldwell seeks support with amendments to state lands giveaway bill

Audubon’s Eric Draper says Legislature “out of sync” with voters

Bruce Ritchie: At session midpoint, disappointment replaces promise

Bruce Ritchie: At session midpoint, disappointment replaces promise