Statement by Governor Sonny Perdue on Judge's Denial of Florida's Renewed Motion to Issue TRO on Water Releases

Statement by Governor Sonny Perdue on Judge’s Denial of Florida’s Renewed Motion to Issue TRO on Water Releases

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding Judge Karon Bowdre’s denial of the state of Florida’s Renewed Motion for Temporary Restraining Order to Protect Threatened and Endangered Mussels:

“I am pleased that Judge Bowdre acknowledged Florida’s request was not feasible, given existing reservoir levels and Georgia’s current drought conditions. Florida’s attempt to use the Endangered Species Act to provide a greater water supply than nature would provide was not successful.

“Georgia’s water use is not endangering wildlife. Any decrease in Florida’s mussel population is a result of the natural conditions that exist today.

“Georgia exhausted all available options for negotiations in an attempt to remain out of court. Ultimately, Florida’s demand for more water than is naturally occurring was unrealistic, especially in light of Georgia’s current severe drought conditions.”

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