Sen. Nelson holds important position in EPA water vote
An upcoming Senate vote could be crucial to the implementation of the EPA’s Florida water quality rules, and much of the pressure rests on the shoulders of Sen. Bill Nelson.
Jul 31, 2020101.2K Shares4.8M Views
An upcoming Senate vote could be crucial to the implementation of the EPA’s Florida water quality rules, and much of the pressure rests on the shoulders of Sen. Bill Nelson. #
The Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution included a one-sentence amendment that would stop the EPA from implementing its freshwater numeric nutrient criteria. The rider was sponsored by Congressman Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, and was one of a handful of political and legal measuresbeing taken to ensure that the nutrient criteria never get off the ground. #
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the budget bill 237-189 early Saturday. Only 17 Republicans voted against the rider, and 16 Democrats voted for it, three of whom are familiar faces to Florida: Alcee Hastings, Corrine Brown and Ted Deutch. In an email sent to The Florida Times-Union, Brown said that she didn’t feel that the EPA “took into account all the work that Florida’s utilities and businesses have done in reining in pollutants and other contaminants in our waters.” #
The Senate is expected to vote on its own budget bill within the next week, and much of the pressure to do away with Rooney’s amendment rests with Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. Though he has touted his allegiance to the environment (specifically, the St. Johns River) for years, Nelson endorsed a similar rider last fall that died in committee. And on Sept. 16, 2010, only one month after expressing concernover a mysterious foam in the St. Johns River (likely a result of excessive nutrients), Nelson penned a letterto EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson urging a delay in finalizing the criteria. #
Now, the Sierra Club is pleadingwith supporters to call the Nelson’s office to ask him to oppose the rider. The environmental organization also encourages supporters to send thank you messages to Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Cliff Stearns, Kathy Castor and Frederica Wilson, who all voted against the rider. #
Dexter Cooke
Reviewer
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles