don't sit on the sidelines

By Kathy Aterno, Florida Director & National Managing Director
We all want an efficient, streamlined government, but we also need to have balance to ensure we don't dismantle or disregard key public health and environmental protections. Florida's economy and our residents depend on having clean and safe water. Today, at all levels of government we are seeing an attack on water quality protections. At the state and federal level attempts are being made to gut fundamental water quality laws that protect our residents.

Our once pristine beaches, flowing lakes and rivers, and America's Everglades are at risk from uncontrolled pollution. Nutrient pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus threaten the health of our waterbodies and the viability of our successful fishing economies. Rock mining operations are digging up our sustainable farmlands. Longstanding growth management laws are being overthrown in favor of lenient regulations that facilitate sprawl development. It is more important than ever for Floridians to be informed and engaged with the numerous issues going on in our state that are directly impacting you and will continue to impact future generations.

Please don't sit on the sidelines. GET INVOLVED!

First, contact your elected officials, such as your Mayor, County Commissioner, State Legislator, Governor, or Congressional Representatives. Without your input, the only voices they will hear are those of high-powered, well-financed lobbyists representing polluters in Washington, Tallahassee, and your local community. We must remind decision-makers that their first and foremost priority is to protect the public health and safety of those who elected them, not special interests.

Second, please make one personal lifestyle change. Cut your household water usage or energy consumption; by shortening your shower by just two minutes you can conserve ten gallons of water, and by "dialing up" your thermostat by one degree you can save money and conserve energy.

Providing clean and abundant water for our Sunshine State is no small task. It will take a combination of commitment from local, state, and national decision-makers and of individual citizens to initiate meaningful change.

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