Water Quality

It is important that all levels of government, Federal, State, and local, work together in the short term to redirect as much water as possible from Lake Okeechobee to the south. This will reduce harmful discharges into the Caloosahatchee River and stop destroying our estuaries and bays. Unfortunately for all of us, for 18 years, since 2000, Congress has failed to deliver on building out the projects authorized in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), or in completing repairs to ... Read more

Washington, D.C. – the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6147 - Interior, Environment, Financial Services, and General Government Appropriations Act, FY2019 – Congressman Rooney supported the measure and was instrumental in securing an additional $7.6 million for Everglades restoration projects. Congressman Rooney stated, “Passage of H.R. 6147 is another win for Everglades restoration and continues to advance our agenda of funding the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) to fix ou... Read more

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rooney announced that he will be testifying in favor of four amendments to H.R. 6147 - Interior, Environment, Financial Services, and General Government Appropriations Act, FY2019. These amendments, which are co-sponsored by Congressman Rooney, would provide strict limits to offshore drilling and exploration in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic Coast. Congressman Rooney stated, “Offshore drilling in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and along Florid... Read more

Washington, D.C. – Last evening, Congressman Rooney voted against H.R. 200 - Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act. The bill would have diluted the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery and Conservation Act (MSA), which would have the effect of overfishing and depleting fish populations. Congressman Rooney stated, “H.R. 200 is a bad deal for Florida and will lead to a reversal of the progress we have made in restoring fish populations and ensuring a healthy ... Read more

Washington, D.C.- Today, Congressman Rooney issued the following statement on efforts to restore Southwest Florida’s water quality. "It is important that all levels of government, Federal, State, and local, work together in the short term to redirect as much water as possible from Lake Okeechobee to the south. This will reduce harmful discharges into the Caloosahatchee River and stop destroying our estuaries and bays. "Unfortunately for all of us, for 18 years, since 2000, Congress has failed to... Read more

Naples, FL- Today, the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) announced an expedited timeline for repair of the Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee. The Office of Management and Budget plans to fund $514 million for the repairs via a supplemental funding package that the House Appropriations Committee approved following devastating 2017 hurricanes and wildfires. The USACE will use this funding to complete Dike repairs by 2022, at least three years ahead of schedule. Congressman Roon... Read more

Washington, D.C.- This week, Congressman Rooney met with Colonel Jason Kirk, District Commander of the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), regarding the Herbert Hoover Dike (HHD) and releases from Lake Okeechobee. Unfortunately, even before Subtropical Storm Alberto, the level of the lake was at 14 ft. – 3 ft. above normal for this time of the year. These levels are controlled by the Army Corps of Engineers, and are closely monitored to protect the structural integrity of the Dike and the safety of... Read more

Washington, DC – Congressman Rooney stated, “Yesterday, I spoke before the House Rules Committee on an amendment to prohibit funds from going to exploration or drilling in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico (east of the military mission line) – this is an opportunity to protect Florida from the existential threat which offshore drilling poses to our tourism and recreational economy.” Congressman Rooney’s full speech can be found via the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3wbXyl_FAM&feature=you... Read more

Washington, DC – Congressman Francis Rooney issued the following statement regarding Herbert Hoover Dike-related provisions in the Fiscal Year 2019 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. Congressman Rooney stated, “It is encouraging to see an increase in funding for Herbert Hoover Dike rehabilitation from $82 million last year to $96 million this year. While there remains much work toward Lake Okeechobee Watershed Everglades restoration, this is a step in the right direction.” Background: The Lak... Read more

Naples, FL- Congressman Francis Rooney issued the following statement regarding the Department of Defense’s (DOD) report, “Preserving Military Readiness in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.” Congressman Rooney stated, “I agree with the DOD that the Eastern Gulf of Mexico is an ‘irreplaceable national asset’ for its value to our national security. The Eastern Gulf is a critical training ground for our military and cannot be replaced by any other geographical location. "It is critical for our military, ... Read more