March 8, 2025 Weekly Newsletter
Act Now to Protect NEPA:
A Crucial Environmental Safeguard at Risk
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), often called our "Environmental Magna Carta," is under threat. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has issued an interim final rule that would remove NEPA regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations entirely. This drastic action follows President Trump's recent executive order revoking Jimmy Carter's 1977 order that gave the CEQ authority to issue binding NEPA regulations.
Why NEPA Matters to Indian River County
For years, our community has seen firsthand how NEPA provides essential protections when major projects like All Aboard Florida (AAF)/Brightline come through our region. Our organization participated vigorously in the NEPA process alongside other groups and local governments to address environmental and safety concerns related to the high-speed rail project.
The IRNA has always stood for sensible and safe development that will benefit the quality of life in Indian River County. When AAF was proposed, NEPA gave our community a voice in the process. The environmental review required by NEPA allowed citizens to raise legitimate concerns about safety at rail crossings, environmental impacts, and community disruption.
NEPA's Concrete Benefits to Our Community
NEPA review ultimately led to improvements in the AAF/Brightline project. AAF eventually offered improved crossing safety measures, pedestrian fencing up to a cost of $1 million in IRC, an area station with guaranteed minimum service, and a 14-year cap on the local cost of crossing maintenance.
Without NEPA, communities like ours would have little recourse when major projects are planned. The environmental review process ensures that federal agencies must:
Consider environmental impacts before acting
Evaluate alternatives
Involve the public in decision-making
Address community concerns
Submit Your Comments by March 27, 2025
Your voice matters! The Council on Environmental Quality is accepting public comments on this rule change until March 27, 2025. This is our opportunity to express why NEPA regulations are vital to protecting our communities and environment.
How to Submit Comments:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Visit this page and follow the instructions
Fax: 202-456-6546
Mail: Council on Environmental Quality, 730 Jackson Place NW, Washington, DC 20503
Important: All submissions must include the agency name, "Council on Environmental Quality," and docket number, CEQ-2025-0002.
What You Can Include in Your Comments
Share your personal experiences with how NEPA has protected your community. For Indian River County residents, mention how NEPA review of the AAF/Brightline project led to important safety improvements and community benefits. Emphasize that:
NEPA ensures federal agencies consider environmental impacts before taking action
NEPA gives communities a voice in federal decision-making
NEPA leads to better, safer, and more environmentally sound projects
Removing NEPA regulations creates dangerous uncertainty for communities and project developers alike
The time to act is now. Without NEPA's protections, communities like ours will lose a crucial tool for ensuring that major projects proceed in ways that respect our environment, safety, and quality of life.
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Lunch & Learn: "What's Running Amuck in the IRL?" with Dr. John Trefry
You're cordially invited to join us for an enlightening Lunch and Learn session focused on one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our beloved Indian River Lagoon.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, March 26
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Vero Beach Country Club, 800 30th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Cost: $25 per person
We’re excited to welcome our guest speaker, Dr. John Trefry, professor emeritus in the Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences at Florida Tech. Affectionately known as 'Dr. Muck,' he has dedicated his career to studying and understanding the composition and impact of muck in waterways, especially in and around the Indian River Lagoon.
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while connecting with community members who share your interest in preserving and protecting our precious natural resources. Dr. Trefry's expertise and insights promise to spark important discussions about the health and future of our lagoon.
Please note: RSVPs are required for this event. Space is limited, and unfortunately, we cannot accommodate walk-ins.
Questions or trouble RSVPing, email: Info@IndianRiverNA.com
We look forward to seeing you there!
Analysis finds Sebastian-Vero Beach area home sale prices dropped by 3.2% last year (TCPalm) - Home sale prices in the Sebastian-Vero Beach metropolitan area declined by 3.2% last year, marking the fifth steepest drop in the U.S., according to ResiClub's analysis of Freddie Mac House Price Index data.
City of Vero Beach Councilmember wants to explore fluoride removal (TCPalm) - The Vero Beach City Council is considering removing fluoride from the city's water supply following a recommendation from Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, with a vote expected after public input and a Utilities Commission review.
Vero Beach must use KISS principle downtown. Big ideas won't reap benefits (TCPalm) - Vero Beach city officials should prioritize simple, practical downtown improvements over ambitious redevelopment plans, focusing on issues like sidewalk repairs, better signage, and modest housing growth while avoiding controversial, large-scale projects that have historically divided the community.
Brevard Zoo expands rescue efforts with manatee rehab center (News 13) - The Brevard Zoo is expanding its manatee rescue efforts by building a new rehabilitation facility near the Indian River Lagoon, featuring multiple tanks to treat noncritical cases, easing the burden on SeaWorld's overwhelmed rescue center, and planning a seagrass nursery to restore manatee food sources.
Elon Musk's DOGE federal budget cuts to national parks may affect wildlife refuges (TCPalm) - Federal budget cuts proposed by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency could reduce staff and services at Pelican Island and Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuges, raising concerns among conservationists about the impact on wildlife protection and public access.
Vero Beach City Hall change needed; incomplete audit proof (TCPalm) - Vero Beach City Hall's failure to file a required audit on time highlights deeper management issues, prompting calls for leadership changes, financial system upgrades, and a sharper focus on essential city priorities.
FPL is proposing increases in rates — what it means to you (Palm Beach Post) - Florida Power & Light is seeking state approval for a rate increase that would raise typical residential bills by 14% in 2026 compared to late 2024, sparking criticism from consumer advocacy groups who argue it places an undue burden on customers.
Legislation Alert: Multiple Bills Threaten Local Control of Community Development
A series of proposed bills—HB 943, HB 1209, SB 1118, and SB 1730—could fundamentally alter how communities across Indian River County and beyond develop, effectively sidelining local input on critical land use decisions.
While addressing affordable housing remains a pressing need, these bills take a heavy-handed approach that strips away local authority rather than fostering meaningful partnerships between state and local governments. Each of these pieces of legislation seeks to limit or entirely eliminate the ability of local governments to regulate certain aspects of development, particularly regarding density, height restrictions, parking requirements, and the public approval process.
Under these bills, local governments would be required to approve specific types of developments administratively—without public hearings—if they meet minimal affordable housing thresholds. This effectively undermines the comprehensive plans and zoning regulations that communities have carefully developed over years of input and deliberation.
Key provisions across the bills include:
Preemption of Local Zoning Authority: Counties and municipalities would be prohibited from restricting building height below the highest allowed height within one mile of a proposed development or below three stories—whichever is higher.
Density and Parking Changes: Local governments would be barred from imposing density limits or requiring excessive parking for developments near transit stops, effectively forcing higher-density projects into areas without adequate infrastructure improvements.
Administrative Approvals Over Community Input: Projects meeting minimal affordable housing criteria would bypass public hearings and be approved administratively, severely limiting opportunities for resident input.
Expedited Legal Challenges Against Local Governments: Developers would have the ability to sue local governments over land use decisions, with courts required to expedite these cases and award attorney fees and damages up to $100,000 to prevailing plaintiffs.
Undermining Democratic Process Through Supermajority Requirements: These bills try to Force a supermajority vote for the adoption of comprehensive plans or amendments containing more restrictive development procedures—effectively allowing a single commissioner to block community-supported limitations on development. In counties like Indian River with only five commissioners, developers would need only influence two officials to prevent a 4-1 supermajority, turning what would otherwise be a clear 3-2 majority decision into a failed measure.
These bills would have far-reaching consequences for Florida’s cities and counties, including Indian River County. The shift away from local control in favor of broad state-mandated approvals could lead to:
Increased traffic congestion without corresponding infrastructure upgrades.
Strain on water, sewer, and public services due to forced density increases.
Loss of neighborhood character, as high-rise developments could be constructed in areas previously limited to lower-density housing.
Reduced public participation, as major projects would be decided without community input.
While affordable housing is a serious issue, these bills fail to provide balanced solutions. Instead, they impose top-down mandates that do not consider the unique needs of Florida’s diverse communities. Forcing uniform zoning changes statewide disregards the planning efforts of local governments that have worked to balance growth with infrastructure capacity and environmental protection.
IRNA will continue to monitor the Legislature and keep you informed as to what they are doing. Keep an eye on this space for more in coming weeks.
Sen. Erin Grall
Phone: 850-487-5025
Email: Grall.Erin.Web@flsenate.gov
Address: 3209 Virginia Avenue, Suite A149, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
Rep. Robbie Brackett
Phone: 772-778-5005
Address: Suite B2-203, 1801 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Governor Ron DeSantis
Phone: 850-717-9337
Address: The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
US supreme court weakens rules on discharge of raw sewage into water supplies (The Guardian) - The US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to limit the EPA's ability to impose broad water quality restrictions on pollution discharge permits, weakening the Clean Water Act and favoring San Francisco's challenge against federal wastewater regulations.
Florida hid insurance profits and did industry’s bidding | Scott Maxwell (Sun Sentinel) - Florida insurance companies funneled billions in profits to affiliates while claiming losses to justify rate hikes and legislative favors, with state officials hiding a report exposing the scheme until after laws benefiting the industry were passed.
How Lake Okeechobee discharges have impacted St. Lucie Estuary (WPTV) - Mark Perry, executive director of the Florida Oceanographic Society, warns that polluted freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee are devastating the St. Lucie Estuary, calling for water to be redirected south to the Everglades instead of harming marine ecosystems and water supplies.
Could decline of a Florida lizard mean rise in mosquito diseases? (Miami Herald) - Researchers in Florida are studying how the spread of invasive Peter’s rock agamas, which displace native brown anoles, may increase mosquito bites on birds—potentially raising the risk of mosquito-borne diseases spreading to humans.
DEEP DIVE: Yes, Lake O discharges feed red tide. Here's how it works (VoteWater.org) - Scientific studies confirm that while Lake Okeechobee discharges don’t cause red tide, they significantly intensify and prolong blooms by feeding them with nitrogen-rich runoff, highlighting the need for better water management and nutrient pollution controls.
Army will cancel lease for Army Corps Florida office (TCPalm) - The administration plans to terminate the lease for the Army Corps of Engineers' Jacksonville office in August, raising concerns about the potential impact on Everglades restoration, water management, and coastal projects, though no personnel or program cuts have been announced.
These park rangers oversaw Florida’s only manatee refuge. Then they were fired. (Tampa Bay Times) - Two park rangers at Florida's Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge were fired amid federal workforce cuts under the Trump administration, raising concerns about the refuge's ability to manage peak manatee season, enforce conservation efforts, and educate visitors with a now severely reduced staff.
Florida’s Toxic Gypstacks: A Hidden Environmental and Economic Crisis
Florida is home to 25 massive phosphogypsum stacks, or “gypstacks,” towering as high as 50-story buildings. These waste piles, mostly concentrated on the state’s west coast between Tampa and Bartow, are byproducts of phosphate mining, primarily produced by Mosaic Co., one of the world’s largest fertilizer manufacturers. While these stacks contain radioactive materials and contaminated water, they also hold an estimated $31 billion worth of valuable resources, including rare earth minerals and gypsum.
The challenge? Extracting these materials safely and economically. Florida State University’s new Center for Rare Earths, Critical Minerals, and Industrial Byproducts is researching ways to turn these toxic mountains into an economic asset. Lawmakers are also exploring ways to incentivize investment in mineral extraction, including tax breaks and subsidies. Meanwhile, Mosaic has been pushing to use phosphogypsum in road construction, recently securing federal approval for a test road project.
However, the environmental risks remain severe. A 2021 failure at Piney Point, a non-Mosaic gypstack, caused a major ecological disaster, leaking millions of gallons of polluted water into Tampa Bay. The cleanup has cost taxpayers millions, and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ latest budget proposes another $25 million for the site’s closure. With hurricanes and sinkholes threatening these stacks, any failure could be catastrophic for Florida’s waterways and communities.
State leaders must balance economic opportunities with environmental safety, ensuring that any taxpayer investment benefits the public as much as it does Mosaic’s shareholders. Addressing Florida’s toxic gypstacks is both a necessity and a high-stakes challenge.
Slim margins, climate disasters, and federal funding freeze: Life or death for many US farms (Grist) - The Trump administration's federal funding freeze has left farmers struggling to stay afloat, delaying critical USDA payments for conservation, disaster relief, and small farm support, worsening an already fragile agricultural economy amid climate disasters and rising costs.
El Paso Is Going to Turn Wastewater Into Drinking Water. Other Cities Will Soon Follow (Inside Climate News) - El Paso is building the nation's first direct-to-distribution wastewater purification facility, set to provide 10 million gallons of drinking water daily by 2028, as climate change and dwindling water supplies push other cities to follow suit.
Our avocado obsession is destroying Mexico's forests. Is this a fix? (Grist) - America’s surging demand for avocados has fueled illegal deforestation in Mexico’s Michoacán state, prompting a new certification program to curb environmental damage, though concerns remain over corruption, enforcement, and cartel involvement in the industry.
EPA Would Shrink to 1970 Staffing Levels—‘When the Skies Were Dark With Smog’—Under Proposed Plan (Inside Climate News) - The administration plans to cut the EPA’s workforce by 65%, reducing it to 1970 staffing levels, sparking concerns from former agency officials and environmental advocates that such drastic reductions would cripple efforts to protect air, water, and public health.
Climate change is politically divisive. Public parks? Not so much. (Grist) - Investing in public parks and green infrastructure is gaining bipartisan support as a cost-effective way to boost climate resilience, with cities like Atlanta using flood-absorbing parks to mitigate extreme weather while providing valuable community spaces.
Plan to Build a Road With Radioactive Waste in Florida Prompts Legal Challenge Against the EPA (Inside Climate News) - The EPA faces a legal challenge over its approval of a Florida road project using radioactive phosphogypsum waste, with environmental groups warning it could set a precedent for broader use despite health risks linked to radiation exposure.
The rising tide of sand mining: A growing threat to marine life (ScienceDaily) - Sand mining, the world's most extracted solid material by mass, is causing significant harm to marine biodiversity by contributing to coastal erosion, habitat destruction, and ecosystem disruption, prompting scientists to call for stronger governance and integration into broader environmental policies.
