“Governor Crist’s decision to sign SB 2080 is disappointing,” said Audubon of Florida deputy director Eric Draper.  “However, his direction to the water management districts to include water permits and environmental permits on governing board agendas preserves hope that the public may still be involved in important water resource decisions.”

"We hope the Legislature reverses this travesty at the earliest opportunity" stated Charles Lee, Audubon's Director of Advocacy. "The people have now been shut out of the room where the most important decisions about water will be made," he concluded.

Audubon will call on the Legislature to repeal the offending section of law to preserve public access and public hearings on major water permits.