Florida Governor Jeb Bush wants to sign a bill this week that would pay for a billion-dollar public works project in the Everglades -- but also restricts the right of citizens to challenge developments on environmental grounds.
At issue is the 1971 Environmental Protection Act. Lawmakers gave ordinary citizens the right to challenge developers and state agencies. The theory is that all citizens can file a challenge, even if the project is miles away, because everyone has a stake in protecting Florida's environment.The measure sitting on Bush's desk would change that. A provision added by incoming Senate President Jim King, R-Jacksonville, would allow only people who can prove they are personally affected by a project to file a challenge. So, for example, a concerned citizen in Tampa who wants to stop a project in the Everglades wouldn't have the legal standing to challenge it."
Thanks to Sheryl Stolzenberg
FULL STORY: Bush torn over Everglades bill
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