Sunshine Sentinel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, following the announcement on the upcoming closure of the GP Foley Mill in Taylor County, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan urging the EPA to work closely with and provide information to local officials on the possibility of preserving the mill’s federal permits and maintaining hundreds of jobs in the area as it comes under new ownership.

Read the full letter HERE or below. 

Dear Administrator Regan: 

I write to you today regarding my deep concern about the recently announced closure of the GP Foley Mill in Taylor County, Florida. I am aware that the mill's closure will result in a significant loss of 525 jobs in the region, compounding the economic challenges faced by the community recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Idalia.

The GP Foley Mill has been an essential source of employment and economic stability for Taylor County and the surrounding areas for many years. The announced closure of the mill has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many hardworking individuals concerned about their continued livelihoods and creating a ripple effect on local businesses and services. The situation is exacerbated by the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Idalia, which has only heightened the need for economic recovery and job creation in the region. 

As the search is underway for a buyer to take over the mill operations, a question has arisen about the transferability of the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Title V permits needed to operate the mill.

Given the importance of preserving jobs and economic stability in the region, I respectfully request your assistance in providing the elected officials in Taylor County with information about the NPDES and Title V permits. Specifically, it would be helpful to know whether the permits for the GP Foley Mill may be preserved until a sale of the mill can be finalized, and whether the transfer period may be extended if more time is needed.    

The residents of Taylor County are resilient and will overcome the challenges facing their community, but they need your assistance in this matter. I appreciate your attention to this important issue, and look forward to working with you to provide this information to the Taylor County officials. 

Sincerely,

Original source can be found here.