Rubio plans to fight EPA water regulations for Florida

[deminks]

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/rubio-plans-fight-epa-water-regulations-florida

Sen. Marco Rubio is planning to try to insert a measure in the forthcoming budget resolution that would bar the EPA from implementing water pollution rules that business groups in Florida oppose.

The move, certain to draw criticism from environmentalists, mirrors an effort by U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta. The rules are the product of contentious legal battle in Florida in which the EPA agreed to set new limits on how much nutrient pollution is allowed into waterways. Critics say the regulations will be too costly. Even Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson has worked to get the EPA to hold off.

When Rooney attached his amendment to the House budget deal (which was pared back to a two-week stop-gap for now) Rubio expressed support and indicated he would try the same. Now people close to him confirm he is looking at doing so.

“At a time when our state is facing double-digit unemployment and our families are struggling with the effects of a prolonged recession, the last thing we need is another Washington mandate that will cost billions, destroy jobs and increase daily costs," said Rubio, who raised the issue as a candidate last year.

(end snip)

Gee, we now hear from the Florida Tea bagger media darling. Who's your sugar daddy? Hmm?

[DCKit]

1. Rubio has turned out to be at least as bad as I thought.

Who knew that "in times of economic hardship" people should be deprived of clean water? Just fucking brilliant.

[katnapped]

3. You do realize

You can BUY water in the store now, right?

(:sarcasm: in case that went over anyone's head)

[TBF]

4. And that means the market should be cornered by the Koch brothers

along with everything else? Not that I think water should even be for sale in bottled form, but this water issue is going to be everyone's problem when all of a sudden only a few entities own it and we will all be paying through the nose for it.

Enjoy your stay.

[Scurrilous]

2. ROFL

He's an idiot.

[quaker bill]

5. The potential costs are exaggerated

but it will be expensive if implemented. As a scientist in this field, I have to say the rule is a bit heavy handed when applied statewide. A phased application of the new rule with some flexibility for adjustment to a more natural ambient standard would seem proper. Some places in FL function as natural nutient sinks and have higher levels of nutrients on their own. There are plenty of pollution problems here and it would be good to see them addressed, but I think a little more judgement and flexibility in timing and approach would be an improvement over this rule.

[timtom]

6. There it is. That's it. That's it. (with respects to the great Ted Lewis)

Been waiting for his first move.

I believe, by the way, that tea-baggers hate regulation. I believe this will play well with them.

To see my Ted Lewis reference go here to 1:26

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4BSwpMwT1M

[The Backlash Cometh]

7. Rubio: In favor of unsafe water standards.