Tampabay.com
MARCH 04, 2010

EPA agrees to hear more comments on new water regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency today agreed to a extend the public comment period on proposed new water rules that have been blasted by Florida politicians. The decision came after members of the congressional delegation met with EPA chief Lisa Jackson.

Jackson told the lawmakers she would extend the comment period for the proposed rules by 30 days, adding three more public hearings, according to U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow. But EPA officials said the rules would still go into effect on the same day.

“I hope this means the EPA will do a better job of listening to us," said Putnam, a candidate for state agriculture commissioner. "Florida is the only state in the nation facing these draconian rules, rules that were established in a judge’s chambers, not in a legislative body.”

(Read background on the proposal here.)

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