wetlands and clean water and streamlining government regulations . The Sunshine State has a strong track record of protecting our unique environment and Floridians care deeply about their environment and natural resources . Everglades restoration , key infrastructure projects , sustaining protections on wetlands and endangered species , and taxpayer dollars – are all beneficiaries of today ’ s announcement . I thank Administrator Wheeler and look forward to continuing to work with him , Secretary Bernhardt and Secretary Valenstein to protect and support Florida ’ s water , Floridians and our economy ,” said U . S . Congressman Dan Webster ( FL-11 ).
“ As Floridians , we understand the important role the environment plays in our economy and our way of life ,” said Congressman John Rutherford ( FL-04 ). “ Today ’ s announcement by Secretary Bernhardt and Administrator Wheeler is a big win for Florida , allowing our state to streamline permitting for water projects while continuing to uphold the highest level of environmental standards . This is just another example of President Trump and Governor DeSantis ’ s dedication to protecting Florida waters while reducing bureaucracy and making government run more efficiently .”
“ This Administration has done more for clean water in Florida than any other in modern history . Water quality has improved in the Everglades , across Florida ’ s National Estuary Program network , and Harmful Algal Blooms are being targeted in Florida ’ s springs and salt water ecosystems . Florida will do a better job at efficiently and effectively issuing permits for necessary infrastructure than the federal government has . State assumption of the permitting program will reduce project costs and save taxpayer dollars . As a next step , I ’ m looking forward to working with EPA on modernizing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund allocation which disadvantages states like Florida that have growing water infrastructure needs ,” said U . S . Congressman Mike Waltz ( FL-06 ).
“ I thank Administrator Wheeler for his diligence on this historic accomplishment for Florida ’ s infrastructure and water quality priorities . Without these unnecessary and duplicative permitting processes , projects of all sizes will be streamlined to maximize efficiency and our state will be given the flexibility to make our own decisions that are best suited for our environmental and economic interests ,” said U . S . Congressman Greg Steube ( FL-17 ).
“ President Trump has made it a priority of his Administration to pursue balanced water policies that protect our environment and meet the needs of the American people ,” said CEQ Chairman Mary Neumayr . “ Today ’ s historic announcement is a testament to what can be accomplished through efficient coordination across all levels of government , and I applaud EPA , the State of Florida , the Department of the Interior , and the U . S . Army Corps of Engineers on this achievement .”
“ The Army is pleased to support the State of Florida in its effort to balance environmental protection with economic development ,” said Ryan Fisher , Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works . “ The citizens of Florida will have continued protections under the Clean Water Act with the benefit of infrastructure permitting decisions being made at the state level .”
EPA solicited public review and comment on Florida ’ s proposed program and engaged
12 DITCHMEN • DECEMBER 2020