Today, Everglades Law Center (ELC) attorneys are in federal court defending the Everglades against a legal challenge that threatens critical restoration projects like the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir. The sugar industry is attempting to block these projects by misinterpreting the “Savings Clause” of the Water Resources Development Act, potentially jeopardizing billions of dollars in restoration efforts. If they succeed, the EAA Reservoir could be forced to prioritize agricultural water supply over its primary function of delivering clean water to the Everglades and Florida Bay, endangering vital ecosystems.
As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome of this case could have lasting implications for the future of Everglades restoration. ELC remains committed to defending the integrity of these projects and ensuring that the health of the Everglades, Florida Bay, coastal estuaries and surrounding communities is preserved for generations to come.
ELC filed a brief in the appeal on behalf of broad group of 4 municipalities, 5 environmental NGOs, and 2 chambers of commerce – Islamorada, Village of Islands, the City of Lake Worth Beach, the City of Sanibel, the City of Stuart, the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, the Sanibel Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association, the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, Captains for Clean Water, the Everglades Foundation, and Florida Bay Forever. Read our brief.