Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, defends Amendment 1 as more complex than explained
I am responding to the Feb. 19 editorial, "Florida Legislature, adhere to Amendment 1's land purchase-conservation goal," because I feel it misinforms the citizens of Florida as to the actual purpose of the amendment.
Amendment 1 is more than a land acquisition mandate. It also requires the Legislature to restore conservation and other lands, protect water resources, and improve water quality, because protecting Florida's environment requires a multifaceted approach.
The editorial claims that current "legislation places construction of sewer and water supply systems under the Amendment 1 umbrella -- even though that infrastructure supports development, not conservation." However, seepage from septic tanks is one of the largest contributors of harmful phosphorous runoff into ecologically sensitive areas; thus, these sewer systems are instrumental in our fight to improve Florida's water quality.
Another example includes the harmful runoff into the Everglades. Over 5,000 square miles drain into the 700 square mile Lake Okeechobee annually -- meaning constant and harmful runoff into fragile ecosystems. Accordingly, improving water supply and control systems is essential in our battle to restore the Everglades.
Finally, the invasion of non-native plants and animals costs our citizens hundreds of millions every year in economic loss, and are arguably the worst threat to the stability of our state's environment. To combat this problem, we must team up with nonprofits, scientists, and private land owners in a constant effort to thwart the damage being done.
The mandate in Amendment 1 is far more complex than simply buying more land. Government owns approximately one out of every three acres in this state, and pervasive environmental problems persist. The language of Amendment 1 vocalizes this complexity, and our actions as your Legislature will continue to reflect the goal of protecting all of Florida's natural beauty, not just stockpiling land.
Sen. Bill Galvano
Bradenton
This story was originally published February 23, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, defends Amendment 1 as more complex than explained ."