Senate delays vote set on Florida water rules

TALLAHASSEE — Water pollution rules that some environmentalists say are too weak are on hold in the Florida Legislature.

They had been set for a final vote in the Senate on Wednesday.

Action was delayed because the Senate had not yet received the bill (HB 7051) that passed unanimously in the House last week.

The state drafted the rules as a lower-cost alternative to nutrient standards proposed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

Agriculture, business and utility interests support the state rules.

Environmental groups favor the federal rules. They contend the state's rules would do little or nothing to stop algae blooms from choking Florida waters.

The state rules are being challenged in an administrative law case. They also need EPA approval.