Your Council is People Working Together:
We need to work together to make sure that our Florida legislators pass the new Stormwater Rule in its session that starts in January. Progress in implementing common-sense Low Impact Development (LID) depends upon its passage, as the current rule is outdated and inadequate. While it could be better, the new rule is a needed improvement and is ready to be voted upon. Also, enforcing stormwater discharges or National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) infractions are in limbo without it. If the legislature fails to act according to the Florida Clean Waterways Act, newly approved development will continue to be grandfathered based on the antiquated and harmful rule.
- Now is the time to act!
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You may contact your Senator and House representatives; once you find your representatives, choose full detail, followed by contact: you can do that here.
- Send a simple message: Your name, where you live, along with this message: Please pass the new Florida Stormwater Rule during the 2024 legislative session.
- Marine Resources Council has set its overall priorities, which are attached.
- Also attached is an example of regional priorities set for Brevard County by Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition. Priorities have been set for each of the five counties along the lagoon.
- Also attached are speaking points that will help you when you advocate for the lagoon.
Marine Resources Council supports the new Stormwater Rule, which has been presented to the Florida House and Senate by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, called for in the Clean Waterways Act passed unanimously by the legislature in 2020. It simply needs to be adopted, per the law. If it is not, groundwater pollution will grow rapidly with unchecked new development.
- Stormwater becomes polluted as it drains toward our waterways.
- Adapting Low Impact Development and green infrastructure slows the flow of stormwater.
- This will allow stormwater to drain into the soil as it falls, recharging our groundwater, rather than running into our streets and waterways, causing flooding and gathering pollution as it goes.
Care to know more? Florida Stormwater Association provides information here. Marine Resources Council supports Low Impact Development and Green Stormwater Infrastructure. Learn more by reviewing information at LoveTheIRL.org
