LeMieux: EPA Water Rule Delay Welcome

Press Release

Questions Remain Over Costs and Underlying Science

U.S. Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) today made the following statement regarding the EPA's agreement to delay the implementation of Numeric Nutrient Criteria for rivers, lakes and streams in Florida for 15 months. EPA is extending the effective date for 15 months to allow cities, towns, businesses and other stakeholders an opportunity to review the standards and learn how to implement and comply with the rule.

"While I welcome the EPA's decision to delay the implementation of this rule for 15 months, I remain concerned about the unanswered questions surrounding the cost of implementation and the scientific basis for the ruling," LeMieux said. "The quality of Florida's waters are of great concern to me, as to all Floridians, but we have to be cautious moving forward. This ruling has the potential to cost our state billions of dollars, thousands of jobs, and drive up water bills. EPA should instead use this delay as an opportunity to scrap the entire ruling, in favor of regulations that are both economically responsible and steeped in sound, peer reviewed science."

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