TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- A judge has rejected objections to an agreement by the federal Environmental Protection Agency to set surface water pollution standards for Florida.
It's seen as a precedent-setting case that could serve as a model for other states.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle on Monday said he would approve the settlement between EPA and environmental groups.
EPA for the first time will propose limits on farm and urban runoff blamed for causing algae blooms in inland and coastal waters.
Opponents include business interests and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson. He says the standards would be too costly for farmers.
Hinkle said those objections should be raised after standards are proposed -- not before.
