Environmentalists, Former Staffer Urge EPA To Reject Florida CWA 404 Plan

Environmentalists and a retired EPA employee are urging the agency to reject Florida’s request to assume Clean Water Act (CWA) section 404 dredge-and-fill permitting authority, with environmentalists arguing there are significant gaps in the state’s plan and the agency alumnus raising concerns that it will decrease environmental protections. The arguments made during an Oct. 21 virtual EPA public hearing are in stark contrast to the business community’s enthusiastic support of Florida’s effort. The reaction also previews likely written comments that...