Florida groups file suit against EPA

The Florida League of Cities and Florida Stormwater Association have joined a growing number of entities filing lawsuits against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over new nutrient regulations for Florida's waters.

The lawsuit asks a Pensacola federal judge to force the EPA to "abandon its unprecedented action against Florida and to take another look and conduct proceedings consistent with federal law," according to a news release.

"We all want clean water," said Rebecca O'Hara, director of legislative affairs for the Florida League of Cities, in the release. "However, the EPA's mandates seem like they will do more to harm Florida’s local government taxpayers than provide real results."

In November, the EPA finalized standards designed to help reduce water pollution that causes harmful algae blooms in freshwater lakes and streams. However, the state has been given 15 months to implement them....