An Everglades cleanup bill has been tainted by the addition of an assault on citizen standing in environmental disputes. It deserves Gov. Jeb Bush's veto.

The Legislature has tainted an Everglades cleanup bill by tacking on an unrelated law change that threatens the ability of Florida residents to oppose development projects that harm the environment. It is a cynical game being played by powerful politicians who value neither the environment nor citizens' rights. And there is only one solution: Gov. Bush should veto the bill.

The portion of HB 813 that deals with the Everglades has merit. It would create a stable funding source for the state's portion of the cost to restore a more natural water flow to the River of Grass. Under the bill, the state would sell bonds to be repaid by a portion of state documentary stamp revenues, and that would raise $100-million a year to match the federal government's contribution. Otherwise, environmentalists fear, the Legislature will be in a dogfight every year over Everglades funding.

The other portion of the bill is an unwarranted assault on citizen standing in environmental disputes. Now, if a developer seeks a permit on a project that threatens to degrade the environment, Florida residents have a reasonable opportunity to oppose the permit. There is no indication that the right is being abused or that developers are thwarted if their projects are responsible. Yet a fair hearing for the environment is too much to ask of some legislators.

If HB 813 becomes law, any group that wants to initiate opposition to a permit would have to prove that it has 25 members residing in the county where the action is sought, and that the group has been in existence at least a year. That would have a chilling effect on a process that already favors developers. If groups are forced to reveal their members' identities, it could expose those individuals to harassment and frivolous lawsuits whose only intention is to silence dissent. Unreasonable restrictions should not be put on anyone who is trying to protect our air, water and land from the threat of pollution. Or to put the issue in Capitol parlance: The citizen-standing law ain't broke, so there's no need to fix it.

Some groups and individuals involved in environmental issues are calling for a gubernatorial veto of the bill. Others, including Charles Lee of Audubon of Florida, are urging the governor to sign it. Lee argues that little harm is done by the changes to citizen standing but that great good can be done by formally identifying a source of money for the Everglades.

Lee is right that it is a balancing act, but Floridians shouldn't be asked to give up anything in this case. While we have grown accustomed to such mischief from the Legislature, lawmakers have a responsibility to do what is right for all citizens, not just the wealthy ones who turn land into money.

If Gov. Bush forces them to do it, the Legislature will take up the Everglades issue on its own merits. A solution to the problems that afflict the Everglades is also in the best interests of developers, farmers and water suppliers. That means it will get done.

Gov. Bush should veto the Everglades bill not only because it diminishes the hard-won rights of citizens, and not only because lawmakers are trying to force him into making a no-win choice. The governor should veto HB 813 mainly because it is an insult to every Florida resident.

Back to Opinion

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright

From the Times
Opinion page