Gillespie & Littlejohn Tackle Environmental Industry News in Florida Specifier Podcast

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Adams & Reese Government Relations Advisor Patrick Gillespie and A&R Senior Policy Advisor Jeff Littlejohn – both editorial board members of the Florida Specifier – hosted the publication’s May/June Editorial Board Podcast, which discusses Florida news and legislation impacting the environmental industry.

Gillespie and Littlejohn were joined on the roundtable discussion by Brett Cyphers and Ryan Matthews. Brett is the host of the Water for Fighting Podcast and a Partner at Anfield Consulting, and Ryan is a Shareholder and Lobbying Deputy Section Chair with the law firm of Gray Robinson, P.A.

As Florida approaches a new fiscal year, the team tackles the looming uncertainty surrounding the state budget. With the House and Senate still at odds — particularly over proposed tax cuts — the possibility of a special session and even a budget veto hangs in the air. The group reflects on the political tension and its implications, especially with hurricane season around the corner.

The conversation kicks into high gear as the group explores some of the session’s most significant environmental legislation. They begin with Senate Bill 796, which introduces a streamlined permitting process for Distributed Wastewater Treatment Systems — highlighted as a promising tool in efforts to reduce reliance on septic tanks.

Attention then turns to new laws aimed at improving workplace protections for utility workers, as well as updates to the state’s Brownfields Redevelopment Program that could accelerate environmental cleanups across a wider range of properties. The discussion also delves into one of the session’s more debated measures: a mitigation bill that broadens the use of out-of-basin and out-of-kind credits. While supporters frame it as a necessary response to credit shortages, the group notes that it represents a notable departure from long-standing state policy and has sparked a range of reactions.

The Florida Specifier is among the first state-based news sources in the country published for environmental professionals. Gillespie serves as the publication’s editor-in-chief. The podcast, produced by the editorial board, covers policy insight, industry updates, and is a must-listen for environmental professionals, policymakers, and anyone invested in Florida’s natural resources.

At Adams & Reese, Gillespie assists clients in navigating Florida’s regulatory and procurement landscape by leveraging over 20 years of experience in government, project management, and communications. Gillespie formerly served as Deputy Secretary of Business Operations for the Florida Department of Management Services. Gillespie’s experience also encompasses project and policy development, government affairs, procurement, communications, IT, advocacy, and public relations. Having served under two Florida governors, he has learned how to manage high-profile projects, engaging with government offices and the media, developing policies, and implementing legislative strategies.

At Adams & Reese, Littlejohn is an experienced leader in environmental regulatory and policy. Representing private and public clients, he offers regulatory solutions, policy support, and executive direction, based on his background in private sector consulting engineering, GR, and executive leadership within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. His ability to navigate complex regulations stems from his professional practice in structural, environmental, coastal, and maritime project design, coupled with his understanding of policy-setting functions and strong relationships with various governmental agencies and leaders. Additionally, Littlejohn holds leadership positions in the National Stormwater Trust and Florida Environmental Network and previously served as a principal at Isiminger & Stubbs Engineering.