39th Environmental Permitting Summer School

Updated for 2025! 
This panel will explore the complex intersection of energy reliability, affordability, and environmental responsibility in Florida’s evolving power sector. With a new federal administration declaring a “National Energy Emergency” and signaling a potential shift toward traditional fossil-fuel and nuclear power generation plus more flexible compliance frameworks, panelists will examine how these changes could affect energy providers and long-term energy planning across the state. Topics will include the latest updates to Florida’s 10-year site plans for electric utilities; EPA’s carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission standards for new and existing fossil-fuel-fired electric generating units; and the expanding interest in carbon capture, sequestration, and hydrogen co-firing in future compliance strategies. The session will also highlight potential implications of energy-related Executive Orders and emergency permitting procedures intended to expedite the siting of energy and infrastructure projects, the extent to which timeline improvements are being realized, and strategic considerations for owners and operators.

Completely redesigned for 2024! This panel of experts will cover emerging challenges in meeting future water demands, the delivery of innovative water supply projects, meeting the conceptual costs of distribution and storage of reclaimed water, and regulatory challenges and innovative approaches to addressing these issues. The Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) area covers all or part of five central Florida counties and includes portions of three water management districts, several regional public water utilities and dozens of local governments. The panel will explore innovative water supply projects and policies that are emerging around Florida, including the CFWI, and the role of utilities and other significant water users now and into the future. Be ready to participate in this “must-attend” course.

New course description needed

This panel will discuss the current status and issues involving Florida’s underground injection control (UIC) regulatory program that authorizes the injection of fluids into underground formations and aquifer recharge projects. The panel will focus on the expanded use of aquifer storage and recovery and aquifer recharge projects involving potable, surface water/stormwater, or reclaimed water to enhance water supplies. The panel will cover changes to underground injection and aquifer recharge resulting from DEP’s recent indirect potable reuse regulations. Additionally, the panel will discuss the recent US Supreme Court Maui decision and the subsequent EPA Maui Guidance to determine when an NPDES permit may be required for groundwater injection projects. Finally, the use of exemptions and variances to obtain UIC approvals for these projects will be examined. Overcoming issues and impediments to obtaining UIC authorizations for deep well disposal of waste streams will also be discussed. Come prepared to listen, learn, and participate!

This panel provides practical and legal insights into managing public hearings before local governments from both the private party and local government perspectives. It specifically addresses issues arising in connection with public hearings and how to deal with denials by and challenges to local government decisions. This presentation will focus on strategic matters, provide useful tips, examine new and developing legal issues, and address technical issues. Attendee participation will be encouraged.

This course will give you the latest information on water quality BMPs, water use and reuse on agricultural lands, and other policy changes resulting from the Legislative Session and implementation by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, including adoption of new BMP Manuals. Come hear from West Gregory, the Water Policy Director, and a panel of water policy experts on the latest updates affecting agriculture and Florida’s water resources.

Many imperiled wildlife species spend some if not all of their life-cycles in Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been working closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in developing effective regulations that promote the conservation and management of imperiled species and habitats in Florida. The members of this panel have been actively involved in the development and implementation of these important management practices, policies, guidelines, and regulations. The panel will review current federal and state regulations, and discuss emerging issues affecting imperiled wildlife species and habitat and how those issues could affect land uses in Florida. Bring your questions—this panel encourages panelist collaboration and audience participation!

Timely and informative update on permitting and enforcement procedures utilized by environmental agencies; beginner to intermediate course; covers permits and permit renewals; construction and operation permits; time limitations; monitoring; agency enforcement of permit conditions; fines and other penalties; legal and ethical considerations; other emerging trends and issues including legislative review of agency rules and ratification of proposed rules; audience participation encouraged.

Permits, approvals, and other agency authorizations are critical to your company’s business. But challenges in courts of law and public opinion are becoming increasingly common. These attacks threaten to delay, derail, or undo your permitting effort. This course is designed to help you navigate the steps you can and should take both to plan for and to defend your permit from such challenges. It will include practical advice on how to successfully survive a permit challenge, including identifying key vulnerabilities, building a defensible record, and other early steps to help ensure the long-term success of your efforts. It will also cover the defense of your permit in administrative and judicial proceedings, as well as other settings. Audience participation is encouraged.

This panel of experts will discuss the results of an active 2025 legislative session, the latest with the Live Local Act and how local governments are responding, as well as the latest Florida planning trends. The panel will also discuss the future of comprehensive planning including the more relevant court cases for the year. This course is updated every year to discuss new and anticipated legislation, emerging issues and problems, and examples of local government innovation. Bring your questions, as audience participation and debate is highly encouraged!