Dear Friend,

Last November, the EPA adopted strong standards to combat sewage, manure, and fertilizer pollution in our waterways. What first sounded like a big victory could turn into a crippling defeat for our water and our way of life. You can make sure that doesn't happen, and that the EPA does not cave to polluter pressure.

Join us in Tampa on January 17 to tell the EPA that we demand environmental protection!

The EPA has announced they are handing over protection of 15% of Florida's waterways to the state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The DEP's rules are far less strict, and enforcement has been left to friends of big polluters rather than environmental professionals¹. It's no joke that people say DEP stands for "Don't Expect Protection."

What's worse: the EPA is considering handing over the rest of Florida's water to the DEP. This would be a huge setback to all of us working to protect our water from toxic pollution and the telltale slime that comes with it. You can make sure the EPA stands strong by joining us for this critical event.

Event Information:

WHAT: Demonstration, press conference, and march to an EPA information session

WHEN: Thursday, January 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Downtown Tampa, N. Franklin Street Pedestrian Mall, between Kennedy Blvd and E. Jackson St, across from 211 N. Tampa Street, Tampa FL 33602 (map)

RSVP today and show the EPA that you demand protection for our water.

The EPA is holding a public information session in Tampa and we plan on being there to make crystal clear (think Silver Springs before it was choked with algae) that Floridians will not let the EPA weasel out of its own strong rules to protect our water resources.

After the press conference, we will march across the street to the Hotel Tampa where the EPA is holding the public information session from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. We will then participate in the session by bringing photos, slime stories and comments to the EPA.

Join us in Tampa and tell the EPA to enforce a strong pollution standard to protect all of Florida's water.

This is the worst possible time to put DEP in charge of enforcing the Clean Water Act. The EPA must do its job and uphold strong protections for Floridians. The threat to public health from this green slime and polluted drinking water needs to be addressed aggressively and right away.

Thanks for all you do for the environment,

Cris Costello
Florida Sierra Club

P.S. The more people who attend this event, the stronger our message. Can you share this invitation with five people today?

1. Craig Pittnam, "Florida environmental agency lays off longtime employees and hires from regulated industries," The Tampa Bay Times, December 25, 2012.  http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/florida-environmental-agency-lays-off-longtime-employees-and-hires-from/1267557