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Scott To Propose Increased Penalties for Polluters

By  //  August 4, 2014

PLAN INCLUDES $1 BILLION TOWARD PROTECTING FLORIDA'S WATERS

ABOVE VIDEO: Florida Governor Rick Scott spoke with Brevard County’s local business leaders and community officials about Florida’s resurgent tourism industry.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Prior to the start of a statewide campaign tour, Governor Rick Scott unveiled a plan to invest additional funds toward protecting Florida waters and increase fines on Florida’s top polluters.

Below is a release from Governor Scott’s campaign:

Gov. Rick Scott
Gov. Rick Scott

Governor Scott will propose important new environmental policies for the 2015 legislative session and also highlight record investments in Florida’s environment during his first term. New proposals to keep Florida beautiful include a $1 billion investment in Florida’s waters, with $500 million in funding for alternative water supply and another $500 million for springs restoration. The “Let’s Keep Florida Beautiful” plan also commits to continued efforts for Everglades restoration, including new water treatment areas and water storage capabilities, and allowing the Department of Environmental Protection to issue tougher penalties for polluters and bad actors.

“Florida’s natural beauty is a big reason why this is the best state in the country to call home,” Governor Rick Scott said. “Our natural resources are the foundation of our economy – they drive tourism, housing, business, and agriculture – and they deserve our long-term commitment. We’ve made record investments in Florida’s environment, but there’s more work to be done. With a $1 billion investment in Florida’s waters, an ongoing commitment to the everglades, and tougher penalties for bad actors, we’ll ensure that Florida’s treasures are protected for generations to come.”

The “Let’s Keep Florida Beautiful” tour starts tomorrow on the Treasure Coast and will include stops in Boca Raton, Jacksonville, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.

Governor Scott’s “Let’s Keep Florida Beautiful” plan also includes:

  • Hitting polluters and bad actors with tougher penalties.
  • Investing $1 billion in Florida’s waters.
  • Continuing efforts to restore the Everglades.
  • Commitment to protect the Keys and Apalachicola Bay.
  • Creating a position within the Governor’s Office to work with stakeholders and focus on moving water south.
  • Advancing the C-43 and C-44 projects for South Florida’s estuaries.
  • Forming a new Indian River Estuary Program.
  • Committing $150 million to preserving sensitive lands, agriculture, and parks.
  • Creating a $2 million grant so Florida’s State Park System can win its fourth national gold medal.
  • Establishing transparency for water projects through a science-based grant process.
  • Target key ecosystems with defined goals for environmental success.