Tallahassee, Fla. – The Everglades Trust (Trust) today released the following statement by Anna Upton, CEO of the Trust, highlighting its strong endorsement of Governor Ron DeSantis ahead of tonight’s gubernatorial debate.
“Governor DeSantis is a leader that acts. He has made Everglades restoration a centerpiece of his administration; but he hasn’t just talked about it, he has made real and significant strides in protecting Florida’s most important natural and economic asset.
During his time in office, Governor DeSantis:
- Signed an Executive Order on his second day in office laying out a bold agenda to advance Everglades restoration and address harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee.
- Cleaned house at the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and appointed men and women to the Governing Board that understand the importance of Everglades restoration.
- Made reducing harmful discharges and sending water south to the Everglades an official priority of the state of Florida, leading to – for the first time in decades – a balanced lake operations plan that protect residents, tourists and businesses that propel our tourism-based economy.
- Advanced the Everglades reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, which is the single most important Everglades restoration project in terms of reducing harmful discharges and sending water south to the Everglades, including expediting the state’s portion.
- Pushed the SFWMD to start, hit major milestones, and complete more than 50 Everglades restoration project components.
- Exceeded his promise to secure $2.5 billion in state funding for the Everglades and environment, ultimately securing $3.3 billion dollars.
“If voters care about the Everglades and the estuaries and want the momentum that Governor DeSantis has built while in office to continue, there is no other choice in this race. Governor DeSantis is America’s Everglades Governor, and we are confident his superior track record will be on full display tonight.”
Founded in 1994, the Trust’s mission is to advocate for the restoration and protection of America’s Everglades using sound science and research. To learn more, visit evergladestrust.org, like @evergladestrust on Facebook and follow @evtrust on Twitter.
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