Jeb Bush on Environment Republican FL Governor

Drilling in Gulf of Mexico hurts Florida tourism industry

The area that Jeb Bush seeks to stop from being auctioned is not covered by the existing moratorium [on other off-shore drilling]. It actually lies off the coast of Alabama, but close enough to Florida to worry state environmentalists. “Florida’s economy is based upon tourism and other activities that depend on a clean and healthy environment,” Jeb Bush wrote in his letter to Washington. “As a result, we continue to have the nation’s best beaches, abundant fisheries, and pristine marine waters. Protection of those resources is of paramount importance to the state of Florida.”

Restrict Eminent Domain; most severe of all govt powers

In this particular bill, eminent domain authority is expanded to benefit the North Broward Hospital District. This is undoubtedly a worthwhile and needed project, [and] the hospital has begun negotiations with local property owners to purchase their properties.

My objection to this well-intended bill, however, is that the hospital has begun this process [under the old rules, and] to change these rules [in the middle of the process] would not be in the spirit of fair play.

Additionally, this bill would set a dangerous precedent for one-time expansions of eminent domain authority. I believe this is a poor basis for creating new statutes. If the expansion of quick-take authority is an issue that needs addressing, the Legislature should do so as a policy debate for statewide application.

Let industries “self-audit”; compensate for “takings”

Supports the following principles concerning the environment:
• Support “self-audit” legislation which creates incentives for industries to audit themselves and clean up pollution
• Require full compensation when environmental regulations limit uses on privately owned land
• Provide funding for recycling programs
• Request added flexibility from the federal government in enforcing and funding federal environmental regulations
• Supports extending the Preservation 2000 program in Florida.

More state autonomy on brownfields & Superfund cleanups.

The Issue

NGA’s Position

Support State Revolving Loan Fund for flexible Clean Water.

The Issue

NGA’s Position

Supports national drought policy, focusing on readiness.

• Whereas, the recent severe drought conditions throughout the South have created life-threatening situations as well as financial burdens for both government and individuals, and drought conditions are expected to persist in several states in the South;
• Whereas, the effects of drought build up and last for several years and, therefore, government programs to address other natural disasters are not well suited to prepare for or respond to droughts;
• Whereas, extremely dry conditions have led to numerous forest and rangeland fires, burning tens of thousands of acres of land, destroying homes and communities and eliminating critical habitats for wildlife;
• Whereas, the impacts of drought follow no political boundary and drought assistance programs occur at both state and federal levels of government, making it essential to cooperatively plan for and implement measures that will provide relief from current drought situations and prepare for future drought emergencies;
• Whereas, a national drought policy is needed, and the National Drought Policy Commission (NDPC) has issued a report emphasizing moving from relief to readiness; now, therefore, be it
• Resolved, the southern governors call upon the Congress to adopt a coordinated, integrated national drought program that
  • emphasizes preparedness over insurance, insurance over relief, and incentives over regulation;
  • coordinates drought programs and response between federal and nonfederal entities by creating a coordinating council with meaningful participation by regionally-balanced nonfederal representation, and that this council continue to identify and close gaps in the availability of federal programs in different regions; and
  • includes a crop insurance program that would make it practicable and prudent for all types of farmers in all areas of the country to obtain coverage.

Maintain water flow in Mississippi & Missouri Rivers.

• Whereas, the flow of commerce on the Mississippi River is essential to the economic welfare of the nation;
• Whereas, the USDA reports that 70% of the nation’s total grain exports were handled through Mississippi River port elevators;
• Whereas, free movement of water-borne commerce on the Inland Waterway System is critical to the delivery of goods to deep-water ports for international trade;
• Whereas, the reliability of adequate flows for navigation is a key requirement for fulfillment of delivery contracts, employment in ports and terminals, and energy efficiency;
• Whereas, delays and stoppages would threaten the successful implementation of international trade agreements under NAFTA and GATT;
• Whereas, the Missouri River contributes up to 65% of the Mississippi River flow at St. Louis during low water conditions;
• Whereas, reduction of Missouri River flows above St. Louis would result in more frequent and more costly impediments to the flow of commerce on the Mississippi River;
• Whereas, the reach of the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Cairo, Illinois is at highest risk for delays and stoppages of navigation because of low-water conditions; and
• Whereas, the US Army Corps of Engineers is considering several proposed alterations to the current edition of the Master Water Control Manual for the Missouri River that would reduce support of water-borne commerce by restricting the flow of the river during the summer and fall, low-water period at St. Louis; now, therefore, be it
• Resolved, That the Southern Governors’ Association would strongly oppose any alterations that would have such an effect and would urge the Corps to consult with affected inland waterway states prior to endorsing any proposal that would alter the current edition of the manual.