Critics of a water bill that passed the Florida Legislature last week say it doesn’t do enough to protect our state’s freshwater.
The new law allows farms and agriculture companies to voluntarily report their waste releases and runoff into Lake Okeechobee and surrounding watersheds.
If they choose not to, they’ll have to pay for water testing.
Lake Worth Democratic Rep. Dave Kerner opposes the bill.
“Any time we have a system in place where we self-police ourselves it’s not a good idea," he says. "This was an industry-driven bill. I’m surprised that there were not more 'no' votes against it. I find it very unfortunate to be honest with you.”
The law also includes a provision to use taxpayer money in clean-up efforts in Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades.
Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill last week.
