rssPosts by Virginia Chamlee
Virginia Chamlee is a graduate of the University of North Florida and covers environmental issues, Florida's congressional delegation and reproductive rights for the Independent. She currently resides in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., with her rescued lab-shepherd mix, Chloe. You can reach Virginia by email at virginia [at] floridaindependent [dot] com or follow her on Twitter: @VChamlee.
Fasano introduces amendment to make ‘Farm Calendar’ funding go to USF
In a move that is sure to rile some state lawmakers, Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, has filed a budget amendment that would take $3 million from the Department of Agriculture’s “Farm Calendar” and put it towards the University of South Florida’s School of Pharmacy, to help offset deep cuts to the university in the proposed budget.
FEC settles lawsuit against congressman’s former business partner (Updated)
A stipulated order and consent judgment in an FEC investigation into a former business partner of Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, was filed yesterday, a sign that the case may be nearing its end. According to the filing, Buchanan’s one-time business partner, Sam Kazran, must pay $5,000 for “a non-knowing and non-willful violation of” an ethics rule against knowingly helping or assisting any person in making a campaign contribution in the name of another.
Earthjustice to file suit against U.S. Forest Service
The environmental law firm Earthjustice today announced that it has filed a 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue the U.S. Forest Service to protect imperiled manatees and shortnose sturgeon, two species the firm alleges are blocked from migrating in the Ocklawaha River because of a dam operated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Judge orders state water pollution limits to go into effect by March 6
A U.S. District judge on Saturday ruled that limits on sewage, manure and fertilizer contamination in state waters must take effect by March 6. Judge Robert Hinkle supported a set of federally mandated criteria for Florida waterways in his ruling, but argued that two portions of the EPA-drafted rules are “arbitrary and capricious.”
Environmentalists say new St. Johns study ‘not a green light’ to approve water withdrawal projects
A week ago, the St. Johns River Water Management district released the results of a four-year study on the potential impacts of water withdrawals on the state’s largest river. Environmentalists are applauding the district for undertaking the project, but argue that many questions and legitimate concerns about the impact of water withdrawal on the St. Johns remain.
Department of Environmental Protection to submit its water rules to EPA for final approval
Gov. Rick Scott yesterday signed legislation supporting Florida’s effort to create its own set of water pollution rules, also known as “numeric nutrient criteria.” The move is likely to add fuel to the fire of environmentalists, who argue that the state-drafted rules are not stringent enough to combat Florida’s nutrient pollution problem.
Florida lawmakers vote against measure to prevent Everglades drilling
House Republicans — including Florida GOP lawmakers Allen West, Vern Buchanan, David Rivera, Tom Rooney, Steve Southerland, and C.W. Bill Young — voted against a measure that would have prevented oil and gas exploration in the Great Lakes and the Florida Everglades.
Rubio introduces bill to force EPA to implement state-drafted water pollution rules
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., today introduced a bill that would force the EPA to scrap its set of Florida water quality standards and instead accept rules drafted by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Lawmakers still concerned about future of USF funding
The contentious battle over funding for the University of South Florida continued yesterday, with state lawmakers killing a plan that would have held back $25 million from the school next year. Some legislators, however, are still concerned that the school could face a cut of nearly 44 percent — a significantly higher number than any other state university.
UCF students protest attempts to eliminate birth control mandate
A group of University of Central Florida students are continuing their fight against Congress’ efforts to eliminate the Obama administration’s birth control mandate.
