Vice President Kamala Harris’ decision to nominate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate has reignited ongoing momentum in the Democratic Party and thrust his accomplishments into the national spotlight. In addition to his numerous accolades as the highest-ranking retired officer in Congress, a six-term U.S. Representative, and a two-term Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz has also courageously championed the quality of our environment.
Under Governor Walz’s leadership, Minnesota became the first state in the U.S. to ban PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” from everyday products, marking a victory for public health and environmental advocates. Minnesota’s new law sets a timeline for phasing out PFAS from industrial manufacturing of various products, which will prevent chemical companies from using them in waterways and significantly impacts the public health of communities.
Florida must follow in Governor Walz’s footsteps and a comprehensive ban on PFASWhile Florida’s legislation has passed HB 1475 and SB 7012 create state rules for PFAS cleanup stagesour state has a widespread enemy in these “forever chemicals.” As the next Senator for the 31st District, I will support a ban that phases out PFAS from the Indian River Lagoon, the St. Lucie River, and all of our waterways. More importantly, the Treasure Coast deserves an environmental platform that is focused on Sustainability, innovative technology and intelligent growth planning.
What are the problems? The solutions?
environmental pollution and habitat destruction;
Our district is directly involved in the Lake Okeechobee water crisis. In mid-February, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) released 15 billion gallons of fresh water from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie River. The salinity of the brackish water river drops to a level that is dangerous for oysters and seaweed. In addition, a study by Greene Economics found that the next harmful algal bloom (as a result of discharges into Lake Okeechobee) in South Florida could cost millions of dollars to commercial fisheries, $5.2 billion in economic output, and 43,000 jobs.
Legal rights to protect our waterways
To achieve the long-term sustainability of our aquatic ecosystems, Florida lawmakers must pass “Rights of Nature” (RoN) laws that establish the state’s rivers, streams, estuaries and conservation areas as legal entities. RoN laws provide the same legal protections as individuals or corporations, allowing people to sue on behalf of those areas against polluters or habitat destruction. The idea is not new: In 2020, Orange County voters passed the first “Rights of Nature” law, ensuring that their water sources “protected from pollution and maintained a healthy ecosystem.” I believe that Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon should receive the same legal guarantees.
Inefficient agricultural and sanitation practices;
The water quality of the St. Lucie River, the Indian River Lagoon and other waterways continues to deteriorate. A major reason for this continues to be the runoff of phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural production. such as fertilizers and agricultural waste. Without accountability for those responsible for these harmful runoffs, further algal blooms will damage our aquatic ecosystems. On another front, agricultural machinery such as Diesel tractors contribute significantly to air pollution through particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions. Finally, septic tanks built before 1983 in Florida were only required to be 6 inches above the water table. During heavy rainfall (especially in low-lying areas) The groundwater level can rise, causing feces to leak out of septic tanks.
Investing in new technologies
Florida and the agricultural industry must work together to redesign laws to limit agricultural runoff and pollution. I support a holistic agricultural approach that includes new agricultural technologies, water level control systems, drainage ditches, and vegetation buffers, among other things. Florida must also encourage the transition from gasoline-powered to electric-powered farm equipment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Finally, the historic Treasure Coast community deserves a path to transition from outdated septic systems to municipal sewer systems to restore our water quality.
The dangers of urban sprawl;
Communities across Florida are facing an affordability crisis as the state faces rapid population growth. The need for affordable housing and commercial development has intensified since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, it remains paramount that the Florida Wildlife Corridor (the network of natural areas throughout the state) remains ecologically stable as Florida continues to develop. Urban sprawl, the development of urban and suburban areas, leads to the loss of wildlife habitat and biodiversity. In addition, the lack of investment in public transportation systems contributes to additional pollution.
Conservation and smart growth
We need to create a statewide plan for communities that integrates affordable housing, commercial development, and conservation. Local and state public transportation, funded by taxpayers, deserves more investment that would reduce traffic, commute times, and greenhouse gas emissions from cars. Overall, community leaders and officials must work to preserve the Florida Wildlife Corridor, as well as agricultural and undeveloped lands.
My goal;
As a resident of Martin County who has lived there my entire life, I understand the urgent need to protect our environment and public health. With a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Master of Science with a concentration in Urban and Regional Development, I have the know-how to create sustainable living for Florida’s working families and preserve Florida’s precious ecosystems. We must grant legal rights to the Treasure Coast waterways to curb water pollution, reform agricultural and sanitation practices, and enact smart growth policies for sustainable living in Florida.
