FL Environment Chief Quits: Rewarded Faster Permitting, Fired Scores Of Employees

[hatrack]

Gov. Rick Scott’s top environmental advisor, Herschel Vinyard Jr., resigned Wednesday, ending a four-year run steeped in controversy over protecting Florida’s fragile water and land resources.

Vinyard leaves the Department of Environmental Protection at a critical juncture: The agency will guide Scott and the Legislature through implementing Amendment 1, which had overwhelming support from voters and requires a $20 billion investment to protect water and land over the next 20 years.

As a candidate for reelection, Scott promised to protect springs and punish polluters. In his first campaign four years ago, Scott proposed scaling back environmental rules and merging DEP with other agencies. As governor he advocated privately-run golf courses in state parks, repealed a septic tank inspection program and ended state funding of the Florida Forever land acquisition program.

EDIT

In a resignation letter, Vinyard cited improved Everglades water quality, a nutrient reduction program for waterways and a national award for Florida’s parks system. Under Vinyard, the DEP gave bonuses to employees who issued development permits more quickly and laid off 58 positions two years ago. That was followed by a series of top-level hires from private industries. The agency’s top wetlands expert was relieved of duty for objecting to a proposed wetlands credit project in Northeast Florida, and a judge later sided with the expert.

EDIT

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article4159030.html

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. How the hell does Scott get elected ?

Twice, yet?