Our Blog

Florida Senate Introduces SB 492 to Address Mitigation Banking Credit Shortages

Feb20

Florida Senate Introduces SB 492 to Address Mitigation Banking Credit Shortages On February 5, 2025, the Florida Senate filed SB 492, a bill aimed at addressing mitigation banking credit shortages in key watersheds across the state. As demand for mitigation credits continues to rise, this bill seeks to refine regulatory processes to ensure more efficient credit availability while maintaining environmental integrity. What Does SB 492 Propose? SB 492 introduces key adjustments to state mitigation bank permitting practices, including: Credit Release Schedule Modifications –

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2025 Public Interest Environmental Conference: A Gathering for Conservation & Legal Progress

Feb13

2025 Public Interest Environmental Conference: Conservation – Preserve Today, Protect Tomorrow   Since its inception in 1995, the Public Interest Environmental Conference (PIEC) at the University of Florida Levin College of Law has been a vital platform for legal professionals, policymakers, and environmental advocates to discuss pressing environmental issues. This year’s 31st annual conference, themed “Conservation – Preserve Today, Protect Tomorrow”, will bring together industry leaders to explore strategies for protecting Florida’s natural resources and advancing environmental law. I’m honored

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Florida Scrub Jay Protection: Pending Lawsuit Could Impact Conservation Nationwide

Feb12

Protecting the Florida Scrub Jay: Pending Lawsuit Raises Conservation Concerns The Florida scrub-jay is a unique, federally threatened bird species found only in the sandy, scrubby habitats of Florida. Known for its striking blue feathers and social nature, the scrub-jay relies on fire-dependent ecosystems to thrive. However, habitat loss due to development has drastically reduced its population, making conservation efforts crucial to its survival. Now, a legal battle is unfolding that could not only affect the Florida scrub-jay but also redefine

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New Executive Order to Speed Up Environmental Permitting

Feb12

Executive Order to Speed Up Environmental Permitting: What It Means for Mitigation Banking On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14154, titled Unleashing American Energy, which extends beyond energy projects to significantly reshape how federal agencies approve projects impacting the environment. This Executive Order directs agencies to roll back National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations and streamline permitting processes, aiming to reduce delays and expedite approvals. With environmental regulations directly influencing wetland mitigation banking, it’s crucial to understand how

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Understanding the Wetland Mitigation Process

Jan30

Understanding the Wetland Mitigation Process Wetlands are vital ecosystems that maintain ecological balance, support biodiversity, and protect against flooding. However, development projects such as housing, transportation, and infrastructure expansions can disrupt or destroy these critical areas. To address these challenges, the wetland mitigation process has emerged as a crucial framework to offset environmental impacts while enabling sustainable development. Key Players in the Wetland Mitigation Process The success of the wetland mitigation process depends on the collaborative efforts of three key stakeholders: 1.

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Recap of the Wetland Science & Mitigation Webinar

Jan24

Recap: Wetland Science & Mitigation Webinar Highlights On November 26, 2024, I had the pleasure of joining a panel of esteemed professionals for the Wetland Science & Mitigation Webinar, where we explored critical topics shaping the future of wetland restoration and compliance. It was an honor to share my expertise on wetland mitigation banking alongside such a knowledgeable lineup. For those who couldn’t attend, this blog recaps the key points from my session and provides

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Join Us for the Wetland Science Webinar: A Deep Dive into Mitigation Banking & In-Lieu Fee Programs

Oct25

Wetland Science & Mitigation Webinar: Exploring Key Topics in Wetland Restoration I’m honored to announce that I will be featured as a speaker in an upcoming Wetland Science, History, & Processes Webinar on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. This live, interactive event will explore critical topics in wetland science, with a special focus on wetland mitigation banking, state in-lieu fee programs, and permittee responsible mitigation (PRM). The event brings together a fantastic lineup of industry

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Army Corps Outsources Florida 404 Wetlands Permitting to Third-Party Contractor

Oct08

Army Corps Outsources Florida 404 Wetlands Permitting to Third-Party Contractor In a major development for Florida’s wetlands management, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is now outsourcing portions of its Section 404 permitting process to a third-party contractor, SES Energy Services LLC. This announcement comes in the wake of ongoing legal disputes surrounding the state’s ability to manage wetlands, following a court ruling that has shifted control back to the Corps. Why This Matters for Florida’s Wetlands The Section 404 permitting process

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Navigating Florida’s Regulatory Turmoil: Environmental Permitting Delays Threaten Key Projects

Oct02

Navigating Florida’s Regulatory Turmoil: Environmental Permitting Delays Threaten Key Projects The regulatory landscape in Florida is shifting once again, causing confusion and uncertainty for key projects across the state. A sudden change in Section 404 permitting responsibilities is at the heart of this disruption, leaving many developers and stakeholders in limbo. Back in 2020, the State of Florida took on the responsibility of implementing Section 404 of the Clean Water Act(CWA) from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The

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Wetland Mitigation Bank Credit Potential: Maximize Land Restoration & Profit

Sep12

  Wetland Mitigation Bank Credit Potential: A Path to Sustainable Land Restoration and Profit   When considering a property’s suitability for a wetland mitigation bank, size and location are critical factors. Many landowners frequently ask whether their property qualifies for the establishment of a mitigation bank, and while there is no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the factors involved can help determine if your land holds potential.   Property Size and Credit Potential A common question is whether smaller parcels, such as a 160-acre property in Central Florida, are

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