Noah Valenstein , White House Council on Environmental Quality Chairman Mary Neumayr , U . S . Congressmen Mario Diaz- Balart ( FL-25 ), Gus Bilirakis ( FL-12 ), Dan Webster ( FL-11 ), John Rutherford ( FL-04 ), Michael Waltz ( FL-06 ), and Greg Steube ( FL-17 ), EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Dave Ross , Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Ryan Fisher , EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S . Walker , U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service ( FWS ) Director Aurelia Skipwith , and U . S . Department of the Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Aubrey Bettencourt .
On August 5 , 2020 , EPA Region 4 Administrator Walker and FDEP Secretary Valenstein , signed a Memorandum of Agreement ( MOA ) as part of the assumption process . On August 20 , 2020 , Governor Ron DeSantis submitted a request for EPA to conduct a review and approve Florida ’ s program to assume administration of the CWA 404 program . Florida ’ s submission met the standards established under Section 404 of the CWA and implementing regulations and will ensure the protection of Florida ’ s aquatic resources equal to our better than the existing federal permitting program .
“ Florida continues to be a pioneer of environmental protection . This is a historic moment for our agency and our state ,” said FDEP Secretary Noah Valenstein . “ We appreciate EPA ’ s stringent , public review and approval of DEP ’ s assumption of this program . Our waters and wetlands are critical to our economy and way of life in Florida . As such , it is important for the state to be in charge and take the lead in their protection . We are pleased that with the assumption , Florida scientists and permitters will now be accountable for state and federal wetlands permits . DEP staff know the state ’ s resources best and have the expertise to ensure their protection .”
“ Today ’ s action is a great milestone for cooperative federalism ,” said Secretary of the Interior David L . Bernhardt . “ I commend Administrator Wheeler who led this effort , and all who worked so hard to get to this point .”
“ This designation is great news for the State of Florida – it gives our state the ability to make the best decisions for our unique environment , with input from the public and environmental stakeholders . The duplicative rules on the state and federal levels were a waste of taxpayer dollars , and created confusion for everyone involved , which is why I fought to streamline this process . I will keep working to cut unnecessary government red tape and improve efficiency on every level of government , while also making sure our environment is protected for generations to come ,” said U . S . Senator Rick Scott .
“ Today ’ s announcement is a tremendous accomplishment for Florida , especially as we continue our Everglades restoration efforts ,” said U . S . Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart ( FL-25 ). “ Allowing the state to take over the 404 permitting process will significantly streamline restoration projects , while still protecting the greater environment . I thank Administrator Wheeler and Regional Administrator Walker , as well as all the other key players who worked diligently to make this happen . I have no doubt that we will see the benefits of this decision for years to come .”
“ Today is a great day for Florida and everyone who cares about protecting our
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