Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, ERROR: 404 not found. It is the dreaded computer message that appears when you visit a website or access a file that no longer exists. Unfortunately, it is also the message that more than 1,000 critical development projects throughout the free State of Florida may receive due to the uncertainty surrounding the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's continued ability to issue section 404 program permits. Lake County, Florida, alone estimates a billion dollars of economic development that now faces uncertainty. This is due to a District of Columbia Federal judge's decision to vacate Florida's 404 permitting program, a decision that will have serious implications for the future of our environment and our economy. The ability for States like Florida, Michigan, and New Jersey to take the lead in regulating their natural resources is vital, but it is especially important for a State like Florida where our growing economy is contingent on the continued protection of our environment. That is why my amendment simply seeks to provide permitting certainty to the now more than 1,000 projects that are lined up in limbo by codifying Florida's successful 404 program. Our program has proven time and time again that Florida can do a much better job, more efficiently and effectively, issuing permits for necessary projects better than the Federal Government has. Mr.…”