Implementation of Governor DeSantis’ Blue-Green Algae Task Force Recommendations Act – SB 1522 / HB 1225

The current bill language has lost or is missing several key recommendations of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force. It’s imperative that the legislature act now, as yet another major blue-green algae bloom has formed on Lake Okeechobee and other areas of the state. These blooms threaten public health, property values and local economies.

Please call or write your legislators and ask them to include important recommendations of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force that are not included in the bill language:

• Include a provision supporting verification of agricultural best management practices (BMP). Without this provision, pollutant loads entering state waters from agricultural operations cannot be quantified or accounted for. Presumption of compliance is not working.
• Recommend that FDEP adopt EPA guidelines for blue-green algae toxins as new water quality standards in Florida. Without adopting the toxins as new state standards, environmental restoration and public health notifications of blue-green algae blooms cannot be enforced.

Please call or write your legislators and ask them to include important recommendations of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force that are not included in the bill language!

It is typically more effective to call, if you can please find the time.

2021 Legislative Leadership and Lee Co. Delegation members and Bill Sponsors:

SB 1522 Sponsor:
Sen. Linda Stewart [email protected] (850) 487-5013

Sen. Ben Albritton [email protected] (850) 487-5026

Sen. Aaron Bean – President Pro Tempore [email protected] (850) 487-5004

Sen. Gary Farmer – Minority Leader [email protected] (850) 487-5034

Sen. Debbie Mayfield – Majority Leader [email protected] (850) 487-5017

Sen. Kathleen Passidomo (Senate Pres. after Nov. 2022) [email protected] (850) 487-5028

Sen. Wilton Simpson – Senate President [email protected] (850) 487-5010

Sen. Ray Rodriques [email protected] (850) 487-5027

A similar House version of the bill has not been taken up in any of its 3 referred committees.

HB 1225 Sponsor:
Rep. Joy Goff-Marcil [email protected] (850) 717-5030

Rep. Adam Botana [email protected] (850) 717-5076

Rep. Mike Giallombardo [email protected] (850) 717-5077

Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulika [email protected] (850) 717-5078

Rep. Spencer Roach [email protected] (850) 717-5079

Rep. Chris Sprowls, House Speaker [email protected] (850) 717-5065

Rep. Bryan Avila, Speaker Pro Tempore [email protected] (850) 717-5111

Rep. Michael Grant, Majority Leader [email protected] (850) 717-5075

Rep. Bobby DuBose, Minority Leader [email protected] (850) 717-5094