Timothy Colanta

Professor Bruner
COMM 330
30 April 2017

Contextual/Historical Policy Issue Essay

South Florida and The Everglades are facing two problems: water quality and water
quantity1. Through the continued encroachment of this National Park, the water from a growing
South Florida community runs off into the Everglades. This water is often tainted and nutrient
filled (usually fertilizer) and flows back into the grasslands causing unnatural growth. The
demand for clean water is increasing while the supply cannot keep up. This leads to less water
for the Everglades system and degradation of the numerous ecosystems. The water control
structures interrupt the natural freshwater sheet flow; which would traditionally move south from
Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay2. However, through numerous canals, locks, and dams the
water has been directed to the ocean to prevent floods during high rain and hurricane season. All
these factor into the reduced amounts of water that reach the Everglades. Without the
intervention of new and improved policy, the continued environmental degradation of this
National Park will not only affect the immediate South Florida community, but the entire state as
well. The Everglades provide more than a third of the states drinking water; therefore it is in the
State governments interest to take a more hands on approach in the restoration of wetlands and
aquifers3.
For the sake of flood control,Congress sponsored the 1948 Central and South Florida
Project; which successfully protected the growing population of people from the environmental
dangers of the Everglades. In doing so, over 1,000 miles of man-made structures were put into
place to divert water from the wetlands. This resulted in a disruption of the natural sheet flow of
freshwater to the sea and the loss of more than half of the Everglades wetlands4.
In 1974, The Safe Drinking Water Act was passed to ensure both the quality and safety of
drinking water. In order to ensure pollutant levels would stay below certain levels, the EPA
established standards for microbiological and chemical contaminants found in tap water5. Not
only has this law failed the people of Flint Michigan, it is on the verge of suffering the people of
South Florida whos aquifers have been contaminated. The inability to access and maintain these
resources is what generates conflict in our society6.
The 1985 Florida Growth Management Act gave local government exclusive authority to
determine the direction and appropriate land uses in their jurisdiction. These include public
lands, wetlands, etc. In 2010, the First District Court of Appeals ruled in favor of upholding the
principle that local government has the authority under F.S. Ch.63, Part II, to regulate , restrict,
and prohibit development in the wetlands7 . The Florida legislature has repeatedly protected and
the reminded the federal government that the power to regulate these wetlands lies within the
local governments authority8. However,local government have the power to not enforce these
restrictions of development9.
 In addition, it laid out a comprehensive plan that the local government can follow to meet
the developmental standards for all the local lands10. The state plan also encourages the
development of strict flood plans that protect the wetlands and the quality and quantity of the
groundwater11. During these heavy periods of rain, the runoff from the rainwater displaces
different chemicals and fertilizers from the neighboring urbanized areas. The plant life in these
areas overgrows and contaminates the soil; making it hazardous for growth, wildlife, and the
groundwater reserves below.
In 2002, the federal government and the state of Florida banded together to form the
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Spanning over sixteen counties and
including sixty-eight project components, CERP looked to increase the water storage and
delivery process, restore the natural water flow, and reconnect the isolated Everglades
ecosystems cut off by the Central and South Florida Project12. Local government places a large
role as the federal and state levels of government are not the ones who pose to lose the most if
the Everglades continues to deteriorate. Through CERP the release of toxic freshwater flowing
`from Lake Okeechobee can be stopped. Improving the water quality and quantity will jumpstart
both the local resources and local economics. By protecting their wetlands, South Floridas
fishing, recreation, and tourism can remain strong13.
Working on shaping this policy is the Everglades Foundation who sought out help from
the Georgia based Mather Economics group. According to an economics benefit report, the
brackish water found in the Everglades can be purified through the desalination process of
reverse osmosis. The researchers found that, in accordance with CERP, a decrease in the
groundwater salinity in the aquifers would also displace seawater that is coming in from below.
The process will allow for the aquifers to be replenished by less polluted water14. Utilizing this
technology will assist in the local governments responsibility of monitoring and determining the
amount of mitigation required in order to reverse the detrimental impacts that human
urbanization has caused to the wetland and other surface waters in the Florida Everglades15.
By combining the plan proposed by the Mather Group with the regulatory mechanisms of
the Water Resources Act, the water quality flowing in from Lake Okeechobee may be improved.
There are certain target area that are in need of immediate attention due to their importance to
fish, wildlife, and/or public safety16. The Water Resources Act addresses these issues and treats
water as a public good and therefore, brings its cleanliness and availability to the forefront of
issue plaguing our environment 17.

Environmental Philosophies at work in Policy

This section of the text will aim to elaborate on the intricate environmental philosophies
being advocated in this policy proposal. One of these is the issue of sustainable development and
ecological modernization. How human beings can coexist with nature in a non-threatening
manner to our environment. It will then explain the fundamental differences between shallow
and deep green environmental movements, and will conclude with risk assessment of the newly
proposed program.
In an article from the Journal of Third World Studies, environmentalist David Carruthers
shares his experiences and findings from the UNs 1992 Earth Summit. By the conclusion of
this event, a comprehensive action plan had been established and three key factors were
identified. These included the alleviation of poverty, support of free trade, and technological
advancement18. I wanted to focus on the third factor and its relevance to the Mather Economics
groups suggestion of utilizing reverse osmosis technologies. Carruthers discusses that
technological and administrative innovations are essential if we wish to escape from the limits of
finite biosphere19.
Ecological modernization plays a crucial role in my policy. Through an advancement of
human technology, it is mutually beneficial for the the quality of humankind and the
environmental ecosystems. This proves true as technological innovations have allowed us to
navigate our way out of the 1970s worries of scarcity. In fact, it is through the continued
modernization of our society that we may find solutions to our environmental issues20.
However, this type of thinking leads us to our next issue. The shallow and deep ecology
approaches when dealing with environmental issues. Norwegian philosopher, Arne Naess coined
the term shallow ecology to describe the more mainstream struggle against pollution and
resource depletion. Whose main concern is for the continued prosperity of people in an
industrialized, developed country21. Deep ecology calls for a radical reprioritization of our
policies towards our environment. Advocates of this school of thought wish to put the Earth and
its environment first, in front of human concerns. They believe that technological advances have
caused more harm than good and that the Earth is grossly overpopulated22. Understanding these
basic concepts is essential in my construction of the policy and helps me identify the my target
audience.Taking a deep ecology stance would hinder the chances of such a policy ever being
implemented and taking too shallow of an argument may not provide solutions to the problem.

Why Invitational Rhetoric

I chose the contemporary argumentation theory of Invitational Rhetoric (IR) as proposed
by Foss and Griffin. The strategy was initially applied to the feminist movement, but it can be
applied to other issues. IR is the establishment of three key values when engaging in discourse.
Through equality, immanent value, and self-determination, the rhetor invites a subject to see the
world through their unique perspective23
The first basic principle of equality sees to the elimination of a sense dominance and
elitism one group holds for another. While this equality is difficult to achieve, it is an essential in
forming a non-judgemental environment for IR to take place. This dominant view of
urbanization and the human populations continued encroachment of the Everglades must be
challenged. The environmentalists point of view and beliefs must be met with respect and
equality.
Second, Foss and Griffin put forth the idea of immanent value; which is the uniqueness of
every person. That societal constructions such as status or position cannot take away the basic
that since you are unique and different, you still have worth and it must be recognized. This
applies to the Everglades and its uniqueness in our world. It is from nature and must be treated
with worth. The wetlands and aquifers are necessary in their role in Floridas delicate
environment.
Lasly, self-determination is the acknowledgement of an individual and their power to
make their own decisions. It calls for the right of people to be able to hold their own, unique
perspectives. Self-determination in terms of my policy sees to the direction/misdirection of our
environment. For too long we have been self-determined to expand and engulf more lands. All at
the expense of our environment. In order to repair and restore the lost wetlands, we must let
nature see to its own direction.
Invitational Rhetoric allows for the start of a positive discourse. Too many Americans
have predisposed biases towards environmental policy and the stresses we are placing upon the
Earth. In fact, less than half of Americans believe that global warming is a serious and immediate
issue24. Perhaps through the use of IR, more people can be opened up to the environmental issues
plaguing our planet.
As for my actual policy, it will focus on the state level and will look to assist local
governments who do wish to regulate their environment. In addition to the protection of
waterways, aquifers, and wetlands, local Florida government has been working on land
acquisition so it may deem it necessary for regulation25. This seizing of land is another issue my
policy will address. Through a form of tax a budget pool may be established where local
governments can request the adequate funding from the state government so they may push these
much needed programs through.

Reflection

At multiple times during the semester I found myself struggling with how to shape my
project. I started, restated, and wiped the slate clean multiple times throughout the semester. I
understand the creative nature of the assignment, but having no example to base my project on
proved most difficult for me. I switched between Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to create
campaigns, but ultimately settled on creating a website on Weebly. Creating a website was not
the most creative or original idea, but it finally gave me a sense of comfort with my project. I
committed to creating solid, legitimate online presence so that people could be invited in. It
would have been easier if we could have seen other/past students projects instead of feeling in
the dark about the entire assignment. Additionally, I understand that class only meets twice a
week and is crunched for time for the lesson material. Dedicating a few minutes to workshops
for our final projects would have been extremely beneficial. The other major issue I had was
finding twenty-five academic sources. Luckily, through the Florida Everglades Foundation, I was
able to find scholarly articles pertaining to the issue. I also used an old textbook of mine from my
environmental policies class. It provided me the philosophical backing needed to construct an
honest and effective policy proposal. By using my old textbook I was able to provide more
historical context to strengthen my policy and demonstrate my desire to make an effective
environmental fund for state governments to give to willing local ones.
I planned to allot myself adequate time to complete the project. It was ambitious to think
I could finish it by the middle of April; completing a majority of my work in March while my
golf schedule was not as hectic. Traveling three weeks out of the month proved difficult to
manage my time, especially after my computer crashed and I was left to finish the project on my
iPad and phone. A majority of this project was completed over three states and four different
hotel rooms. I know I laid out plan at the beginning of the semester and I anticipated the travel
and other assignments that would conflict with this project. Still it was difficult to motivate
myself while on the road. I definitely procrastinated into the final weeks that this project was
due. I tackled it in three stages, dedicating four days to my historical essay, a day for my website,
and half a day for my reflection essay.
I wish I could have dedicated more time and effort into this project. Instead of searching
for online articles and academic journals, it would have been more beneficial if I could have
made a trip to my local congressmans office in D.C. or interviewed a professor here at Maryland
who is familiar wish such water and wetlands encroachment issues. I feel and know that I could
have received more accurate and insightful information from a person who is involved in this
issue. If I had the time, I definitely would have traveled to add this to my policy.
I initially wanted to utilize Toulmins model of argumentation to connect to my policy
issue. I decided to change it before the Theory paper assignment because I felt it would have just
constructed a typical argument for why we should protect the Everglades. Invitational Rhetoric
provided a challenge and offered a different way in how to tackle the issue. I wanted to construct
an argument that provided a different solution to an issue that has been ever present. I felt that in
order to develop a unique policy, a different approach was needed. I did not need to appeal to
those who are already familiar and for the new sustainable policy, neither did I need to convince
those who are adamantly against these policies. Invitational Rhetoric would help me appeal to
those in the middle, those who are teetering on the edge. The use of Invitational Rhetoric and
weaving it into my policy was not difficult at all. I was pleased with how the theory applied to
my project and how I could easily draw parallels between the feminist movement and the
opposition to the environmental issue people hold. What I found especially surprising was the
amount of people who do not believe that global warming is a serious issue in our society. I
personally identify with those who believe it exist but is not necessarily an issue that deserves the
fully monetary attention environmentalist say it should. I do acknowledge the fact that humans
have made a great impact on our environment, but I do not share the pessimism of thinking that
these are irreversible effects. My stance on the issue aligns with the belief that the human race
will not outlive the Earth and that any detriments done to our planet can be healed over time.
The three characteristics of constructing an Invitational Rhetoric are all applicable to the
beliefs/prejudices people hold of the environment and out adverse affect on it. Instead of outright
challenging these people's already held beliefs, in which they are probably firm in their stance, it
would be better to ease them into the debate of environmental impacts through Invitational
Rhetoric.
 My historical essay was actually an extremely enjoyable piece to write. I was able to
learn about the different federal, state, and local policies that affected the area that I call home.
As a person who lives in the area and has seen the changes throughout the years, it is
empowering to know you can make an impact on your local community. By becoming a more
informed citizen, I feel like I can confidently present such a policy to my local congressman to
truly see a change happen in my community. I wanted this to be a state policy because the state
seems to be a middle ground. Overstepped by the federal government on one front and unable to
change policy at the local level. Having a budget pool will allow for the state government to
sponsor and fund projects that will assist the overall health and wealth of the state. By saving and
regulating water and environmentally sensitive areas, the state can improve its wildlife, tourism,
and other factors contributing to the overall economy of central and south Florida.
 Works Cited
1. Everglades, need to cite
2. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region,
Pine Island, Matlacha Pass, Island Bay, and Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuges,
Comprehensive Conservation Plan, 64 (October, 2010).
3. Angelo, Nelson Symposium on Floridas Growth Management Legislation,
Integrating Water Management and Land Use Planning: Uncovering the Missing Link in
the Protection of Floridas Water Resources?, 12 J. Law. & Pub. Poly at 232-34 (2001).
4. Restoring Americas Everglades, Progress and Next Steps for Restoring a
Treasured Landscape and Sustaining a Way of Life, at http://www.
whitehouse.gov/sites/default/ les/page/ les/everglades_report__13_july_2012.pdf.
5. S. Fla. Water Mgmt. Dist., Central and Southern Florida Project Comprehensive
Review Study, Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Programmatic Environmental
Impact Statement, Summary, at i (1999).
6. Gleick, P.H. (1998), The Worlds Water 1998-1999: The Biennial Report on
Freshwater Resources (Washington DC: Island Press; updated at
<www.worldwater.org>).
7. Johnson v. Gulf County, Case No. 1D08-6189 (Fla. 1st D.C.A. Dec. 22, 2009).
8. H.B. 957, 2008 Leg. (Fla. 2008); see also Rebecca Catalanello and Graig
Pittman, 18 Words Imperil 3-Million Acres, St. Petersburg Times, March 31, 2007.
9. Martin County and Monroe County are just two examples of local governments
that have maintained comprehensive plan policies for many years that preclude any
impacts to wetlands. See Martin County Growth Comprehensive Plan 9.4.A.7.a-d
(2006); Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan, Policy 102.1.1 (2006)
10. Fla. Stat. 163.3167, 163.3177, 163.184.
11. Fla. Stat. 187.100(7)(b).
12. Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Assurance of Project Benefits
Agreement (January 9, 2002) (pursuant to Water Resources Development Act, Pub. L.
106-541, 601).
 13. S. Fla. Water Mgmt. Dist., Central and Southern Florida Project Comprehensive
Review Study, Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Programmatic Environmental
Impact Statement, Summary at iii (1999).
14. McCormick, Bobby, PhD., Robert Clement, Daniel Fischer, Matt Lindsay, and
Reed Watson. "Measuring the Economic Benefits of America's Everglades Restoration."
Mather Economics (2016): n. pag. Everglades Foundation.org. The Everglades
Foundation. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
15. See Summary of the Wetland and Other Surface Water Regulatory and Proprietary
Programs in Florida (Oct. 1, 2007),
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wetlands/docs/erp/overview.pdf.
16. Totoiu , Jason, and Anslay, Samson. "Planning and Permitting to Protect
Wetlands: The Different ..." Everglades Law Center, Dec. 2014. Web. 30 Apr. 2017.
17. Water Resources Development Act of 2000, Pub. L. No, 106-541, 601 (2000).
18. Sitarz, Daniel. Agenda 21:The Earth Summit Strategy to save our Planet.
(Boulder, CO: Earthpress, 1993).
19. Torgerson, Douglas. The Uncertain Quest for Sustainability: Public Discourse
and the Politics of Environmentalism. New York:St. Martins, 1995).
20. Butter, F. (2000), Ecological Modernisation as Social Theory, Geoforum, 31:
57-65.
21. Naess , Arne. "Sustainable Development and Deep Ecology." The Selected Works
of Arne Naess (n.d.): 2833-846. Web. 30 Apr. 2017.
22. Foreman, Dave. "Putting the Earth First." Confessions of an Eco-Warrior (1991):
n. pag. Print.
23. Foss, Sonja K., and Cindy Griffin. "Invitational Rhetoric." Communication
Monographs 62 (1995): 1-17. Web. 30 Apr. 2017.
24. Gallup, Inc. "Global Warming Concern at Three-Decade High in US."
Gallup.com. Gallup, 14 Mar. 2017. Web. 30 Apr. 2017.
25. Allen, Greg. Land deal would help restore Everglades, NPR, June 24, 2008.