Submitted by Brandon Larrabee on December 8, 2010 - 12:34pm

TALLAHASSEE -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency didn't respond to our story about the state's lawsuit against new federal water regulations until late. But they did eventually get us a statement, and in the interest in fairness:

These water quality standards are based on the law and strong science, are cost-effective, and provide a 15-month phased-in approach and other flexibilities to ensure they are not over-burdensome. We are disappointed that this group of officials resorted to litigation without waiting to see how the flexibilities that were built into the rule play out, a sensible strategy applauded by many Floridians. As we've said, these standards are necessary to protect Florida's waters and the health of Florida residents, and we are confident the rule will withstand the scrutiny of today's complaint.

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/brandon-larrabee/2010-1...