Rick Scott Praises House for Everglades Action

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who waded into the environmental quagmire of Everglades restoration and won a bout with the Obama administration's eco-tiger Lisa Jackson, spoke out Friday in support of the first step to codify his agreement into Florida's law books.

"I applaud the work of Senator Wilton Simpson and Representatives Matt Caldwell and Steve Crisafulli for their legislation that moves Everglades restoration forward by funding, and codifying in law, a plan that will ensure the state meets the water quality standards it has set for the Everglades," said Scott. "I would also like to thank members of the agriculture and environmental communities for working toward a solution that will benefit Floridas businesses, families and the ecosystem."

It was the governor's firstacknowledgmentof the work of policymakers and the role of agriculture in the Everglades process. Scott has had high praise for his agencies and environmental groups.

"In addition to this important legislation, we will continue working with the Legislature to invest $60 million to protect and restore the Everglades, the governor continued.

Now that the House has passed the bill, the next step will be for the Senate to move its identical companion through the process.