Audubon is asking 1000 citizens to sign a petition to Governor Scott and legislative leaders to remove water resource spending caps.
We’ve made some significant progress on defending our water resources this year. Thank you for all that you have done to make a difference. Now you can take a stand below to restore funding to Florida’s water management districts including the agency that conducts Everglades restoration.
Last year the Legislature passed and Governor Scott signed SB 2142 (see our press release here) with major cuts and spending caps for water management districts. Since then, hundreds of scientists, resource managers, regulators, and administrative staff have lost their jobs. The water management districts are selling off public lands claiming they cannot afford the management costs. Stormwater, wetland, and water-use permit applicants are having an easier time now that regulators’ budgets are cut and hands are tied.
House & Senate leaders and Governor Rick Scott have admitted that last year’s bill was a mistake and that the cuts went too deep. SB 1834 by Senator Alan Hays would remove spending caps but imposes a complicated process for legislative control of water management district budgets.
Audubon and others have concluded that:
- Water resource budgets are currently not sustainable.
- Funds for key Everglades restoration and other water resource projects are a critical need.
- The water management district spending caps should be repealed.
- Executive oversight is better than legislative micromanagement.
- Science and regulation is critical to protect water resources.
Please watch this special message from Audubon Florida Executive Director Eric Draper:
