2011 will be remembered as one of the worst assaults on fundamental protections of our water, our air, and our public health. These trends lead me to believe 2012 could be even worse. With your help, Clean Water Action can stop that from happening.

In just ten months, the U.S. House of Representatives passed 170 votes on measures intended to weaken public health protections under the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act. Rather than support programs and policies that prevent pollution, they are encouraging pollution. The spin doctors have attempted to justify these attacks as “deregulation to create jobs and bolster our economy.” These claims could not be farther from the truth.

Florida’s Governor and our state legislature continue to show signs that they are replicating the actions of their counterparts in Washington. They have transformed the state Department of Environmental Protection into an agency that proposes weak water quality standards, speedy permitting for polluters, and non-existent enforcement.

Under Governor Scott’s administration, leadership positions are held by ex-lobbyists for industry whose objective is to make sure Florida’s economy is revived in a way that benefits their former employers. That means lax oversight and regulation. We have seen Florida’s Water Management Districts — responsible for managing water flow for agricultural users, natural areas, and the public — suffer crippling 30% budget reductions, leaving our residents and businesses vulnerable, and jeopardizing the future of Everglades restoration.

If we lose our clean, safe drinking and recreational waters, we will be destroying the state’s bread and butter economy — our tourism, commercial and recreational fishing, and real estate markets. Maybe the medical profession and insurance industry will benefit from the increase in health related illnesses from air and water pollution, but is that the type of bolstered economy our residents need?

Please HELP! Don’t sit on the sidelines and allow your elected officials to get away with doing whatever they are told by high paid lobbyists. Their job is to represent your best interest before those of polluters and other special interests. We need to make sure they are held accountable for their decisions!

Join Clean Water Action’s POWER campaign today.

Yours for Clean Water,
Kathy Aterno
Florida Director, Clean Water Action