Controversial Florida Growth Management Bill Spurs Call for Veto

"The bill would promote urban sprawl, cause traffic congestion and contribute to climate change, said Charles Pattison, president of the environmental group, 1000 Friends of Florida, in a letter to Crist.

The bill, CS/CS/SB 360, would exempt many outlying as well as urban areas from a requirement to have adequate roads and other transportation necessities in place before development can occur."

"...The measure 'was botched up in the House of Representatives' and sports 'a giant loophole' that is contrary to smart-growth principles, according to Charles Lee, director of advocacy for the nonprofit environmental organization, Audubon of Florida.

Bennett, who worked closely on the bill's text with state growth management officials, originally had the support of many environmentalists. But once the measure got a workover on its trip through the House, it earned the enmity of some of its original backers."