This is my first column as Chair of the Section. As I write this column in my Tallahassee office, the City is abuzz with the Governor's inaugural ceremonies and there is already talk about our Governor's goal for his second term: to leave a legacy of permanent change in Florida. How so? Note that on Inauguration Day not only will our Governor be sworn in, but so will the three (down from six) members of our Cabinet: the Attorney General, the Chief Financial Officer, and the Agricultural Commissioner. Together these four will manage state lands and preside over environmental appeals. A new concentration of power among only four. The results will be interesting. Definitely an opportunity for more change in Florida's environmental and land use policy.

     And what should we expect from the new supermajority 2003 Florida Legislature? I hate to write about things that haven't happened yet. Without intent to predict, I'll tell you what the landscape looks like from where I'm standing. Heads up. It looks like legislation on the topics of coastal zone permitting, the reallocation of responsibilities from the soon-to-be dismantled Florida Department of Community Affairs, new growth management initiatives, water quantity and quality improvements, watershed management, and Everglades restoration funding. On the state administrative side, look out for rulemaking on hazardous waste permitting and state lands management. Also look out for initiatives to coordinate the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4.

     At the federal administrative level, look out for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue a revised guidance document regarding the protection of isolated wetlands and the U.S. EPA to begin rulemaking that will change the regulation of discharges into small water bodies and impacts on isolated wetlands. Looks like an exciting time. One full of new possibilities and historical first-times. I am truly happy to be a part of it and look forward to making sure that the Section has a front-row view as the year unfolds.