GOVERNOR CRIST SIGNS BILLS TO PRESERVE FLORIDA’S NATURAL BEAUTY AND PROTECT FLORIDA’S OCEANS
~~ ~Signs Senate Bills 542 and 1302, extending Florida Forever and limiting wastewater discharge ~ ~~
June 30, 2008
Contact:
GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
850-488-5394
TALLAHASSEE — Governor Charlie Crist today signed two bills which will extend Florida Forever, the world’s largest conservation land buying program, for an additional 10 years, and limit the discharge of treated domestic wastewater directly into the Atlantic Ocean. The bills are Senate Bill 542, relating to land acquisition and management, and Senate Bill 1302, relating to ocean outfalls.
“Florida’s natural beauty is forever linked to our economic security, so we are wise and prudent to do all we can to preserve and protect her,” Governor Crist said. “Continuing the state’s efforts to acquire public land will protect our fragile ecosystems and provide more recreational opportunities for our residents and our visitors.”
Senate Bill 542 will continue the Florida Forever program through at least 2018, allowing Florida’s natural resources and wildlife to continue being preserved through important land purchases. The program has been instrumental in conserving water and securing the future of the Everglades.
The Leah Shad Memorial Ocean Outfall Program created by Senate Bill 1302 will decrease the discharges of treated domestic wastewater directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Currently, six facilities in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties discharge approximately 300 million gallons of treated domestic wastewater directly into the Atlantic Ocean every day. The legislation will also increase the use of reclaimed water. These measures will decrease potential harmful impacts to marine life while also benefiting onshore freshwater systems.
Governor Crist also vetoed House Bill 7059, relating to protection of wild and aquatic life. Governor Crist vetoed the bill, indicating it creates significant risks to Florida’s seagrass beds and raises constitutional issues that outweigh the benefits of the legislation. For more information, please see the attached veto letter.