January 10th, 2019
“At his Inaugural, we heard the poetry; today, the Governor laid out the prose”
BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – Everglades Foundation CEO Eric Eikenberg has issued the following statement in reaction to Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order and news conference outlining the details of his environmental agenda:
“At his Inaugural, we heard the poetry; today, the Governor laid out the prose. While the Inaugural laid out an inspiring vision of a new era in Florida’s approach to our environment, this morning, the Governor laid out the specifics.
“While the devil is often found in the details, so, too, are the angels – and with this time, the angels won.
“After decades of delay, Governor DeSantis has today placed Florida on a trajectory to complete the EAA Reservoir, not in 10 years, but in four. He has clearly heard the cries of Floridians who have had enough of perennial algae outbreaks, and to scientists and engineers who confirm that construction of the reservoir will reduce algae-causing Lake Okeechobee discharges by more than half. We applaud him for directing the state’s resources to immediately commence design of the reservoir, with construction to begin on schedule.
“We also welcome Governor DeSantis forming a Task Force to tackle the twin problems of toxic blue-green algae and red tide; his commitment of $2.5 billion over four years for environmental initiatives including Everglades restoration; his ban on fracking and coastal drilling; his designation of a Chief Science Officer; and, in particular, his commitment to the Criminal Enforcement Division at the Department of Environmental Protection.
“We congratulate Governor DeSantis for these bold pronouncements. This morning’s initiatives mark the beginning of a new and more hopeful era for the Sunshine State, for its waterways and for the Florida Everglades.”
Eikenberg was joined this morning by Everglades Foundation chair Carlos de la Cruz, Jr., and vice chair Ellin Goetz.
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About The Everglades Foundation
The Everglades Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to leading efforts to restore and protect the greater Everglades ecosystem. Since its founding in 1993 by a group of local outdoor enthusiasts, the Foundation has become a respected and important advocate for the sustainability of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. For more information, please visit EvergladesFoundation.org.
F: @EvergladesFoundation | I: @EvergladesFoundation | T: @EverGFoundation
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