BusinessEnvironmentAs Toxic Algae, Other Issues Bloom, FL Environmental Secretary...

As Toxic Algae, Other Issues Bloom, FL Environmental Secretary Resigns

-

- Advertisment -sslate

Today marks the last day on the job for Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) secretary, who turned in his resignation nearly a month before the agency acknowledged the change.

Noah Valenstein turned in his resignation letter May 8, but no public notice was given until reporters started asking questions. The news came as a shock to many in the environmental community, including those who regarded Valenstein for doing his best against the odds.

algae

Aliki Moncrief, executive director of Florida Conservation Voters, said the agency has a lot of challenges ahead.

“The person inheriting this, and I know it’s going to be, in the interim, Shawn Hamilton, but whoever ultimately becomes secretary of DEP is inheriting a lot of undone, unfinished business, serious business, and it’s not going to be an easy job,” Moncrief contended.

Red tide and blue-green algae blooms, which killed around 200 tons of marine life three years ago, are already resurfacing in parts of Florida. And there’s ongoing litigation from the April discharge of 215 million gallons of polluted water from the Piney Point phosphate plant into Tampa Bay.

Shawn Hamilton, DEP’s deputy secretary for land and recreation, will take the helm for now. Environmental advocates said they want to see someone with strong conservation expertise in the job, who is able to crack down on polluters.

Moncrief pointed out too often, those with environmental experience are marginalized or serve as figureheads.

“As competent as they can be, as knowledgeable as they can be and as personally invested as they can be in environmental protection, at the end, it’s really the governor and the Legislature. They are the bodies that are supposed to be driving policies forward,” Moncrief remarked.

As an example, Moncrief noted legislation to adopt recommendations from the Blue-Green Algae Task Force got so watered down in the legislative process environmental groups lobbied the governor to veto it. Instead, DeSantis signed the bill into law, touting himself as a champion of the environment.

Sunshine Slate
Sunshine Slatehttps://www.sunshineslate.com
Sunshine Slate is your news, entertainment, music fashion website. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the United States of America.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest news

The Benefits of Booking Your Holy Journey in Advance for 2024

If you are planning to do Umrah for the first time, several things might confuse you.

Heat crisis in Florida prisons: Lawmakers urged to add air conditioning

Florida lawmakers are being asked to use the winter months to swiftly install air conditioning in prison housing units before the return of scorching summer temperatures.

Which Natural Stone is Best for Your Kitchen Benchtops?

By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of the pros and cons of each natural stone option, and you will be able to make an informed decision for your kitchen renovation project.

Network Readiness Index 2023: U.S. still #1, U.K. climbs to #10

Network Readiness Index 2023: U.S. still #1, U.K. climbs to #10, and China among top 20 despite advanced economies leading the way in network readiness
- Advertisement -

Community activists engage in hands-on beach cleanup Initiative

environmental activist Merle Liivand has seen a rise in plastic waste while navigating the Intracoastal canals of South Florida over the years and has decided to take action.

Building Success: Essential Reads for Every Startup Leader’s Bookshelf (Expert Answers)

To help you get started, here's a list of six must-have books that offer valuable insights, guidance, and inspiration for those steering the ship in the ever-evolving world of startups.
edealo.com
- Advertisement - Motel 6
transformerscon

Must read

Best Apps and Games for your New Mobile Phone

We can install any app from the google play store very quickly. Let’s take a look at some most amazing apps for android mobile phones.

Tips and Tricks For Maximising Business Productivity with Dynamics 365

As a result, let’s discuss leveraging Dynamics 365 to its fullest potential. We'll uncover tips and tricks that not only enhance your understanding of this dynamic solution but also amplify its impact on your business.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -sslate

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you