Graham Asks Governor Scott for Environmental Special Session
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Gwen Graham is firing back at Governor Rick Scott, demanding his administration begin taking immediate action to address the ongoing algae crisis in South Florida.
Rep. Graham, responding to a letter the governor sent to Florida's congressional delegation, criticized Scott for focusing blame on President Barack Obama, instead of focusing on the actual issue, protecting Florida's environment. (Click here for a copy of the full letter.)
"I've spoken with the Indian Riverkeeper, Martin County business owners and scientists — and not one of them has blamed the president for this crisis," Graham wrote. "In fact, many of them are frustrated with our state government and hungry for you to exhibit leadership on this issue."
Representative Graham went on to offer four additional solutions, in addition to strengthening the Hoover Dike, that the governor could take action on now to begin addressing the algae crisis:
- Call the legislature into a special session focused on environmental solutions
- Replace South Florida Water Management District political appointees with actual scientists
- Replace and repair failing septic tanks
- Use Amendment One funds how they were intended, and buy land south of Lake Okeechobee
Graham wrote that if Scott did not act, he would be remembered as the "first governor in modern times, Republican or Democrat, who actively worked to harm the environment" — and she ended her letter by offering to work with Rick Scott and any other Florida leaders to protect our environment.
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