Adam Putnam’s 5 Ways Forward

Despite being proactive in many areas on the water front, the state must contend with EPA’s NNC. “In response to the EPA’s rule, I, in partnership with Attorney General Pam Bondi, filed a lawsuit against the EPA, so Florida can continue to implement practices that are founded on sound science and support the state’s economy,” he says. “I also am working with members of the Legislature to revise Florida’s surface water classification system, as proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Designated Use Classification

Policy Advisory Committee. The reclassification would more appropriately label Florida’s bodies of water so they may be managed according to their use.
“In addition to protecting the quality of our water, I’m also dedicated to finding ways to ‘grow’ our water supply,” says Putnam. “Sustainable use practices, such as alternative water sources and water reuse, can help the state preserve the water we have available.”
Some of these practices include collection and storage of stormwater, which are effective ways to grow supply and reduce our dependence on fresh groundwater. Stormwater can be used for landscape and golf course irrigation, agriculture irrigation, fire protection, and groundwater recharge.
Reusing water also is an effective and innovative method. St. Petersburg has led the way with the first Water Reclamation System, which provides more than 37 million gallons per day to 10,000 customers.

In another early win, during this past legislative session, the Legislature transferred the responsibilities of the Office of Energy and the Energy and Climate Commission to FDACS. “I look forward to working with the Governor to develop a state energy policy that will nurture and incubate new technologies and create jobs across the state of Florida,” says Putnam. “With vast lands and abundant sunshine, Florida has a prime opportunity to be a leader in renewable energy.”

Growing energy crops, such as sweet sorghum and biofuel cane, is one example how Floridians are exploring renewable energy options for the future. Biomass conversion sites are under construction in many parts of the state, which will allow growers to diversify their income.
“In South Florida, you have a year-round growing season with literally hundreds of farmers planting thousands of acres with dozens of commodities they believe have the potential to be viable energy crops,” says Putnam. “Some of these folks are going to be right and some of them are going to be wrong. “I think that type of broad based innovation and risk taking by these farmers and land owners is wonderful and represents a positive for our state. It will lessen our dependence on countries that don’t like us for energy and represents new revenue options for landowners.”