Environmental groups want Scott to veto water bill

Sweeping bills to address concerns over Florida’s imperiled water supplies were rushed through the Legislature this week and should be rejected by Gov. Rick Scott, environmental groups said in a press briefing Friday.

The twin bills, which have been in the works for nearly two years , were overwhelmingly approved by lawmakers with the support of the agriculture industry as well as the Department of Environmental Protection. Scott has said he plans to sign the bills next Thursday.

But critics, including more than 100 groups and businesses, say the measure fails to accomplish much-needed reforms that would help regulate water use and pollution and also strips control from local water management districts. The legislation also weakens water pollution controls in the Northern Everglades and fails to protect sensitive lands around springs. Instead, critics say the bills largely set up a shell game of commissions and reports.