EDF Action Publishes New Report: Red Handed on Red Tide
How Governor Rick Scott has failed Florida for eight years—by neglecting opportunities to prevent and prepare for a red tide crisis that has reached three coasts.
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Today EDF Action is releasing a report, Red Handed on Red Tide, detailing how Governor Rick Scott has failed Florida for eight years—by neglecting opportunities to prevent and prepare for a red tide crisis that has reached three coasts:
- He bowed to sugar companies and turned down a chance to acquire land needed to restore water flows to the Everglades—which could help reduce algae blooms on the east and west coast of Florida.
- He turned his back on Florida beaches by eliminating state Healthy Beaches funding, and stood back when the Trump Administration tried to eliminate federal BEACH Act funding to keep Florida’s beaches safe.
- He sat on the sidelines as President Trump tried to eliminate the South Florida Geographic Initiative, which helps monitor algal blooms flowing into drinking water.
While other Republican governors were busy fighting President Trump’s environmental budget cuts, Rick Scott was silent. Floridians are paying the price for his neglect through empty beaches, damaged coastal economies, and rising threats to the health of children and families due to water pollution.
Governor Scott apparently only pays attention to issues like red tide when it’s election time. As Floridians assess his record, this report can help your audience understand how and why Governor Scott has been so silent environmental protection.
