St. Pete Times reports that one sentence has been by state House bill that could undue wetlands protection in 20 counties.
The sentence: “In order to avoid duplication and inefficiency, no local government shall enact or enforce a wetland regulatory program.”
HB 957, sponsored by Rep. Trudi Williams, R-Fort Myers, once calls for a state takeover of federal permitting for wetlands of five acres or less. The amendment was made by Rep. Will Kendrick,R-Carrabelle, who told the St. Pete Times the change is necessary to halt expensive, heavy-handed government regulation that undermines private property rights.
It has one more committee stop before the full House would vote on it.
Read article: 18 words imperil 3-million acres