Coalition Blasts Controversial Bill to Limit Port Freedom & Remove Local Protections
FL House Committee Plans to Hear Controversial Legislation Wed, Mar. 3rd
[March 1, 2021] On the eve of Florida’s legislative session kicking off in Tallahassee and ahead of a House of Representatives Committee meeting Wednesday, a coalition of port leaders and environmental advocates are calling on Tampa Bay area Senator Jim Boyd (R - Bradenton) to withdraw a controversial bill he authored which threatens to destabilize the commercial operations at local ports and remove environmental protections that currently protect the delicate ecosystem in Florida cities and counties.
Boyd’s legislation (SB 426) could VOID any and all established local policies interpreted as “limiting commerce” in Florida’s 15 seaports. Currently the bill is scheduled to be heard by a Florida House of Representatives Committee this Wednesday, March 3rd.
Florida Association of Counties President Melissa McKinlay (Palm Beach County) said, “This potential legislation should be a concern for every county surrounding our state’s 15 seaports. If our ports cannot make decisions locally about the size of vessels and type of cargo allowed to enter their area, then our ports cannot protect the economic and environmental interests of their communities. Florida is beautiful because we balance our natural interests with our economic interests. This balance would be destroyed if the control of seaports was removed from the local port/county level that best understands local needs.”
Pensacola Port Director Amy Miller said, “Pensacola remains vehemently opposed to SB 426, which strips all Florida ports of their ability to regulate commerce beyond physical limitations. For example, we do not allow vessels carrying highly flammable or explosive cargo. We are not prohibited from handling such vessels by the US Coast Guard or any other state or federal regulatory authority. We are not prohibited from handling such vessels because of the type or size of the vessel. We simply do not think those types of cargoes are something we want to handle in the middle of downtown Pensacola. This proposed legislation would remove our ability to protect our port and that’s why we oppose it.”
Friends of Everglades Executive Director Eve Samples said, “This shortsighted legislation poses a direct threat to Florida's environment by robbing citizens of the ability to protect waterfronts in their own communities. The bill would strip decision-making authority from local counties and ports, including the ability to protect shorelines and water quality. If this legislation is approved, Floridians may have to lobby the state Legislature any time we want to strengthen protections at ports. Florida's environment is a major economic engine. We should be strengthening environmental safeguards in the state, not eroding them.”
Arlo Haskell, “Committee for Safer, Cleaner Ships” treasurer and “Coalition of Florida Ports for Economic Independence” founder, said, “We are warning Tampa Bay area residents that Senator Boyd’s legislation could do untold harm to their environment and their economy if their local port authorities are no longer allowed to decide how best to protect their own natural resources. Florida’s tourist economy depends on healthy coastlines. Property tax revenues depend on people wanting to own homes in beautiful places. This bill would ensure that no local port can protect their own environmental or economic interests. Instead, the control of all of Florida’s 15 seaports would be turned over to an unnamed one-size-fits-all government entity at the state or federal level. That is a real threat to the beauty of Tampa Bay. It is our hope Sen. Boyd withdraws this controversial bill.”
Florida Policy Manager of the Surfrider Foundation Holly Parker Curry said, “Florida’s coastal communities are as unique and diverse as the ecosystems they rely on. In November, the citizens of Key West voted to protect public and ecological health by restricting large-scale cruise ships in their local port. Taking additional precautions to protect coral reefs and coastal ecosystems isn’t surprising; after all, Key West’s economy and quality of life are inextricably tied to the health and sustainability of their natural resources. Unfortunately, the Florida Legislature is now considering preempting all local control of ports. This short-sighted effort would stifle local communities and lead to a one-size-fits-none statewide preemption.”