WASHINGTON — On Thursday, the U.S. House passed legislation that would make more than a dozen changes to the Clean Water Act, including limiting the power of states to block infrastructure due to environmental concerns.
The PERMIT Act would establish strict timelines for when environmental groups could file a lawsuit challenging a permit authorizing the destruction of wetlands. It would also make it more difficult for individuals, municipalities, and advocacy groups to sue over unauthorized discharges of water pollution. Both issues could have profound impacts on Florida, especially Manatee County.
The bill passed largely along partisan lines with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) as the only Republican to vote against it. Six Democrats—Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-N.C.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Henry Cuellar (D-Tex), Donald Davis (D-N.C.), Adam Gray (D-CA) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash)— broke ranks to vote in favor of the bill. Both local Congressmen, Vern Buchanan (R-FL 16) and Greg Steube (R-FL 17) voted in favor of the bill.
"It’s not safe or sensible to invite the destruction of wetlands or let dangerous pesticides that harm children’s health and imperil wildlife pour into our waterways,” said J.W. Glass, EPA policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity. "The PERMIT Act erases longstanding protections that limit toxic chemical discharge into streams and rivers, while simultaneously opening the door to the destruction of countless wetlands and tributaries. Florida Republicans should also quit trying to resurrect the corpse of Florida’s illegal wetland dredging program and focus instead on actual solutions to protect clean water and biodiversity."
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kmskepton
Of course it did, and of course they did. I mean, why wouldn’t “christians” who are called to be stewards of the land continue to mistreat it? It’s the same line as their treatment of immigrants - directly OPPOSITE of what their bible tells them.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Report this
THarte
It’s not about draining the swamp - our swamps need that water - it’s about voting this “SCUM” OUT! Be sure to register to vote - be sure to get your mail in ballot - and be a part of the solution and getting our environment back on track! Mother Nature needs us - NOW!
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Report this
pattybeenutty
Christians, they are not! We are protectors of this earth, or have they forgotten?
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Report this
Lawdavid3265
The majority of residents in Manatee and Sarasota counties support measures to reduce damage to our fragile, beautiful environment. So why do our our representatives vote against our wishes? I haven't been able to get any reply from Rep. Buchanan on any number of issues. Has he been asked to justify his votes by the Times? I think he and Steube owe us a response, and of course we need to rember their votes when we go to the polls next year.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Report this
san.gander
Examples of $$$ before life! These two need to go. The Republicans in the state need to go! Stewardship of the land for all, is a joke to them! It is not part of their Bible!
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Report this