HB 703 Tampa Bay Times: Senator’s Green Claim Takes A Hit With Bill Sponsorship

Some environmentalist. Sen. Wilton Simspon, R-Trilby, talked like one, you might remember, before the start of the legislative session.

Long term, he wants to be known as a champion of reclaimed water, he said, and discussed plans for a statewide system of reservoirs that would help spare our aquifer from excessive pumping.

That ties in perfectly with protecting Florida’s springs, his main goal this session, which is why he joined other senators to sponsor a bill setting aside $378 million for that purpose.

But unfortunately for his green credentials, Simpson also has joined with Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, in Patronis’ annual assault on environmental protection. Simpson filed the Senate version (SB 1464) of Patronis’ sweeping deregulation House bill.

Read the entire story:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/legislature/sen-simpsons-green-claims-take-a-hit-with-bill-sponsorship/2172795