Florida’s political leadership -- regardless of party -- this week demonstrated virtually unanimous support of Florida's proposed numeric nutrient water standards over standards promulgated for the Sunshine State by Obama's Environmental Protection Agency.

Even Florida Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who had shown little inclination to enter the fray until now, sent a letter to EPA administrator Lisa Jackson on Wednesday, praising Florida's Department of Environmental Protection standards passed unanimously by the state Legislature earlier in the month and signed into law by Republican Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday.

He urged Jackson "to promptly review and approve the FDEP rule."

Nelson insisted, “I believe that ultimately this process will result in an outcome that provides clean water and a healthy environment without undue economic hardship for Floridians."

He said, “The FDEP has excellent water-quality data, and the state is uniquely positioned to develop a rule that is both practical to implement and based on substantial data. I support the FDEP’s efforts. This rule was the product of strong scientific inquiry and consideration of public comment, and you will find that many of the water-quality standards mirror those proposed in the EPA rule. I urge you to promptly review and approve the FDEP rule.”

(See the senator's letter in the attachment below.)

Nelson was not the only federal official from the Sunshine State who took aim at the proposed federal standards this week. Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio announced Thursday that he was introducing a companion measure to Florida Republican Congressman Steve Southerland’s bill, forcing the EPA to adopt the state’s water standards.The bill, titled the State Waters Partnership Act, would ensure the EPA follows the standards that passed the state Legislature.

“Florida has one of the most aggressive water-quality protection programs in the nation implemented by the people who know our state best, and it’s time the EPA stop bullying us into accepting another Washington-contrived mandate that would devastate job creation," Rubio said in a statement.

“This legislation simply reaffirms that states and the federal government should be partners in making sure our water is clean, and prevents Washington overreaches from harming our economy. The EPA needs to step back and realize that Florida will not simply stand by as their policies negatively impact Florida’s consumers, agriculture producers, municipalities, small businesses and other job creators.”

State officials insisted Thursday that the proposals Scott signed into law would help protect Florida’s economy and environment.

Scott himself said, “Today, I signed legislation paving the way for Florida to present the state's rules for numeric nutrient standards in Florida's water bodies to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for final approval. ... Once approved by EPA, they will further enhance the state’s nationally recognized nutrient control programs.”

Other state officials also weighed in, cheering the governor for signing the bill and Florida’s congressional delegation for taking on the proposed standards.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, noting that her office has opposed the federal government imposing its regulations, stated plainly that “Florida has always had the best expertise and resources to determine how to protect our waters.”