Governor Rick Scott made a campaign stop in Naples on Tuesday at the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
The governor showcased his environmental policies should he win November’s election and he announced a partnership with the Audubon Society of Florida.Governor Rick Scott is calling for a $1 billion environmental plan. A component of the plan is a $500 million investment in freshwater springs.
Scott also called for tougher penalties for companies that violate environmental regulations. He referenced the recent controversy in Collier County where an oil company was fined for using an unauthorized “fracking-like” method.
“We need tougher penalties so next session I’ll be going back to the legislature and asking for tougher financial penalties,” He said. “But, then on top of that the opportunity to deny permits based on an action of somebody either in our state or another state.”
The governor also announced a partnership with the Audubon Society of Florida to spend $20 million on land preservation.
“It’s Audubon working with the state so they’ll find the best properties and to make sure we buy the properties that have the biggest impact,” he said.
Rick Scott also earmarked millions in Everglades restoration this year.
