TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) — With a commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change, Noah Valenstein was approved Tuesday by the Florida Cabinet to remain as the state's top environmental official.
The unanimous vote by the Cabinet supported Governor Ron DeSantis' recommendation to keep Valenstein as secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Valenstein says the state has faced many issues during the past couple of years such as toxic algae blooms in waterways in Southeast Florida and Southwest Florida.
"It is abundantly clear how important the environment is to the foundation of Florida's economy and way of life here," said Valenstein.
By remaining in the role, Valenstein will help oversee a wide-ranging environmental plan DeSantis rolled out days after taking office.
The governor's proposal calls for including $625 million in the 2019-2020 budget and $2.5 billion over the next four years for Everglades restoration and water resource protection.
