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HB 1309 — Environmental Regulation
by Reps. Payne, Overdorf, and others (CS/SB 7060 by Appropriations Committee and Environment and Natural Resources Committee)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Environment and Natural Resources Committee (EN)
The bill ratifies the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP’s) biosolids rules, Rule Chapter 62-640 of the Florida Administrative Code. The bill exempts the rules from review and approval by the Environmental Regulation Commission.
The bill also ratifies DEP’s rules for the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI), Rules 62-41.300 – 62-41.305, Florida Administrative Code. Additionally, the bill:
- Revises the required rulemaking to include an annual supplemental irrigation requirement allocation for agricultural uses and a process for examining an agriculture user’s average annual supplemental irrigation needs.
- Establishes a grant program for CFWI within DEP, subject to appropriation, which will promote alternative water supply and protect groundwater resources. The bill requires DEP to give priority to certain projects.
- Revises the priority system for the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund to give special consideration to projects that implement water supply plans and develop water sources as an alternative to continued reliance on the Floridan aquifer under the CFWI.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 114-0