Florida House Creates Select Committee on Water Policy

The Florida House will tackle one of the chief problems impacting the Sunshine State with the creation Tuesday of a select committee to handle the often contentious issue of water management. House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, announced formation of the Select Committee on Water Policy. "The use and management of our natural resources presents one of the most pressing challenges for the long-term health of our state," noted Cannon in a memo. "In recent years, we have seen the development of a wide range of issues with respect to water policy within Florida and changes to federal policy that may significantly impact Florida's ability to manage its own resources.

"Florida's water-resource policies are incorporated into the 'Florida Water Resources Act of 1972.' The Florida Water Resources Act was developed at a time when the state relied primarily on inexpensive groundwater as the primary source for its water supply needs," continued Cannon. "It is appropriate...