Earlier today, at a press conference in Bonita Springs, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 19-12, laying out a promising agenda for Florida’s environment. While his order is lacking in significant details (including no mention of climate change), FCV welcomes the Governor’s pledge to protecting our waters, restore the Everglades, and bring accountability and transparency to his administration.
We welcome the Governor’s directive to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to oppose fracking in Florida. As a member of the Floridians Against Fracking Coalition, we issued the following statement:
“Today, Governor DeSantis took a bold step towards banning fracking in Florida once and for all. But there is still a way to go before this directive becomes a reality. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection should begin the rulemaking process immediately and be sure to prohibit all forms of fracking including hydraulic fracturing, matrix acidizing and acid fracking. The definition that has been used in several years of bipartisan bills, including Senate Bill 146, is the one that should be used in changes to rules that result from this executive order. We need to get this right and close any loopholes that could allow fracking in Florida. The health of our people, tourism-based economy, and our remarkable network of waterways is on the line. We applaud Governor DeSantis’ leadership on this issue and we are counting on him to see it through.”
As with any administration, it is up to the people to ensure follow-through on these commitments. Thanks to conservation voters like you, FCV will be tracking the Governor’s actions every step of the way. We will keep you updated, not only as the Governor’s office releases additional details, but on whether and how this administration turns its words into action on protecting our environment.
I encourage you to read the full order for yourself by clicking here.
Thank you for all that you do for Florida.