Environmentalists are protesting a state Department of Environmental Protection survey. It asks businesses, municipalities, and government agencies how much environmental regulations are costing them.
The survey asks what agency issued each permit, what kind of permit it is, and what costs were incurred obtaining it. The inquiry also asks for a cost estimate, up to $10,000.
Charles Lee of Audubon of Florida says the survey doesn't appear aimed at improving the permitting process."When you read through the questions you see it's sort of a platform for creating reasons to roll back environmental regulations, and that purpose alone", Lee said.
The Department of Environmental Protection began sending out the survey in August. Spokesman Patrick Gillespie says about 70 responses have come back. He says state law requires government agencies to calculate a cost estimate with any proposed rule change.
"So what the purpose of the survey was, to just generate some research", Gillespie said. "They were polling the industry that we regulate to find out how much past rule changes may have cost them so they can use that information for the future."
Gillespie says no rule changes currently are under consideration.
Most responses came from businesses or non-profits and were about DEP permits, especially water-related permits. Most said they spent more than $10,000 on the permits.