Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 1, 2016

Lizbeth Benacquisto is calling on the Department of Environmental Protection to step up its efforts to ensure clean water is flowing through the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers’ estuaries. In a letter to DEP Secretary Jon Steverson, the Fort Myers Republican urges the agency to work with the South Florida Water Management District and other […]

Jim RosicaMay 11, 2016

A former member of the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission said the group doesn’t have “jack” to do. That’s why the commission — charged with reviewing rules to protect the state’s environment — hardly ever meets, the person said. The former commissioner asked not to be named. But a current member explained the body, whose members don’t get paid, always meets when there’s business […]

Jim RosicaMay 11, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott has tapped his former top environmental lawyer for a spot on the state’s Environmental Regulation Commission. But Craig Varn might not have a lot to do as a member: The commission has cancelled every one of its monthly meetings so far this year. Scott named him to the commission on Tuesday. Varn, 47, was general […]

Staff ReportsApril 22, 2016

Denver Stutler, who previously served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Chief of Staff for former Gov. Jeb Bush, will chair the advocacy group “Floridians for Better Transportation.” FBT President Matthew Ubben made the announcement Thursday. Stutler is CEO of Polston Applied Tech and succeeds John M. Lewis, who formerly headed LYNX, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 1, 2016

$fracking-in-florida-article-e1450126654618-1024x1024.jpg$

A bill to regulate fracking is likely dead after the Senate sponsor said he did not want the Senate Appropriations committee to reconsider the measure. The Senate Appropriations committee on Thursday voted to reject the proposal (SB 318), but lawmakers swiftly made a motion to reconsider the measure. That move kept the bill on the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 25, 2016

$fracking-in-florida-article-e1450126654618-1024x1024.jpg$

A bill to regulate fracking in Florida is on life support after a Senate panel voted to reject the controversial proposal. The Senate Appropriations Committee narrowly rejected the proposal (SB 318). However, lawmakers used a parliamentary maneuver — in this case, a motion to reconsider — to keep the proposal, sponsored by Sen. Garrett Richter, […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 9, 2016

A bill revamping the state’s process of public land acquisition and management passed its first Senate committee Tuesday. LobbyTools reports that SB 1290, filed by Trilby Republican Sen. Wilton Simpson is nearly identical to House equivalent, HB 1075, filed by Lehigh Acres Republican Rep. Matt Caldwell. Orlando Democratic Sen. Darren Soto submitted an amendment to strip language that […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 28, 2016

Florida environmental agencies will have about $3.6 billion to spend in the 2016-2017 fiscal year, based on recommendations from the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government. Put together by Umatilla Republican Sen. Alan Hays, the Committee released its budget recommendations Thursday, reports LobbyTools. Among other things, Hays’ budget provides $1.5 billion to the Department of Environmental Protection, $1.7 billion […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 28, 2016

The Florida Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Jon Steverson to be the state’s Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. The full Senate confirmed Steverson by 29-8 after a handful of Democratic senators raised concerns. Steverson has raised hackles for suggesting that the state allow timber harvesting and cattle grazing to help state parks […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 27, 2016

$fracking-in-florida-article-1024x1024.jpg$

The state House passed a controversial measure to regulate fracking, despite significant opposition from Democrats who said the practice could harm the state’s natural resources. The House voted 73-45 after more than an hour of passionate debate to approve the bill (HB 191), with just a few Republicans joining Democrats in opposing it. “Yesterday, over […]

Tag: Department of Environmental Protection

Lizbeth Benacquisto addresses water quality concerns in letter to DEP

Environmental review board doesn’t have much to do

Craig Varn named to environmental board that hasn’t met this year

Personnel Note: Denver Stutler tapped to lead ‘Floridians for Better Transportation’

Senate panel won’t reconsider controversial fracking proposal

Senate panel rejects proposal to regulate fracking in Florida

Senate committee passes bill restructuring public land acquisition and management

Senate recommends $3.6 billion for environmental agencies in 2016-17 budget

Jon Steverson wins full Senate confirmation as DEP head

House approves controversial fracking bill, despite opposition from Democrats

Florida politics had 11 questions before federal qualifying week. Here are the answers.