Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayMarch 5, 2015

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The Florida H2O Coalition – a water policy vehicle backed by Associated Industries of Florida – applauded today’s action by the Florida House of Representatives to pass HB 7003, a sprawling piece of water legislation aimed at protecting ecologically sensitive waterways. “Today, the Florida House took a giant step forward in adopting a policy that will […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 5, 2015

House Republican leaders praised a water policy bill they passed Thursday as a good start while the chamber’s Democratic leader called it bad legislation and joined environmentalists in hoping for a better version from the Senate. HB 7003 passed the House 106 to 9 on the third day of the legislative session after about 45 […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 4, 2015

Democrats questioned a House water policy bill on the floor Wednesday while environmentalists said they are turning their hopes to the Senate for a stronger bill. Supporters say HB 7003 provides a statewide approach to dealing with water issues while modernizing the water regulatory system. But environmentalists say it weakens Lake Okeechobee protections while failing […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 3, 2015

Supporters of clean water and conservation rallied two weeks ago at the Capitol but the biggest water day of the 2015 Legislative Session may come Wednesday. HB 7003, the House water policy bill shepherded by Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-Lehigh Acres and chairman of the House State Affairs Committee, likely will pass the House. And the Senate […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 19, 2015

As it passed its final committee stop on Thursday, state agriculture officials on Thursday defended a House water bill against the idea that it represents a power grab by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. HB 7003 has backing from agriculture, business and industry groups. The bill passed the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday with three votes […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 11, 2015

A House committee voted Wednesday to introduce a comprehensive water bill despite concerns from environmentalists that the bill doesn’t go far enough to protect springs. House State Affairs Committee Bill 15-01 addresses springs, water planning in Central Florida, and removes duplicate permitting for agriculture around Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. Many of Florida’s springs have […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 4, 2015

Environmental and agriculture groups raised concerns on Wednesday with draft water bill language presented by a House committee but speakers on all sides praised the chamber for its comprehensive approach on the issue. The House State Affairs Committee language addresses pollution threats facing springs and Lake Okeechobee and the need for increased water supplies in […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 3, 2015

Fox News Florida branch, Sunshine State News, printed recently, “Putnam on Water Policy: Get Priorities Right From First, Then Spend Accordingly” (January 23, 2015). Some interpretation is needed for readers inclined to take the faux news source literally. Adam Putnam is the telegenic, multimillionaire farmer and two-term Secretary of Agriculture. We last observed Secretary Putnam […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 22, 2015

Leaders of the House and Senate have said they expect water to be a priority in the upcoming legislative session but they’ve been vague at best on what issues should be addressed. On Thursday, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam weighed in by outlining recommendations for what he said are the “bold” changes needed in state water […]

Tag: Matt Caldwell

AIF group lauds passage of Florida House water bill

House water bill passes as critics hope for better Senate legislation

House water bill faces questions, is teed up for floor vote

Water bills are on tap Wednesday but environmentalists are not cheering

State agriculture officials defend House water bill, deny power grab

House water bill filed without funding or enviro backing

All sides praise House water bill effort while raising concerns

Alan Farago: Why is Adam Putnam deleting land-buying history?

Adam Putnam outlines water policy recommendations, calls for bold action