FACT CHECK: Rick Scott’s Record On Springs and Rivers

CLAIM: Rick Scott says he has dedicated record resources to protecting Florida’s springs and rivers, and blames Charlie Crist for their current condition. 

FACTS: Rick Scott has shortchanged Florida’s springs and rivers for four years, and been a strong opponent of clean water standards. As the Tampa Bay Times reported, Scott “ended a springs restoration initiative launched by Gov. Jeb Bush.” Now that he’s running for reelection, Scott is promising $500 million to undo the damage done to springs in his first term. He still offers no explanation of where the money will come from. Floridians know Rick Scott has been an environmental disaster, and his election-year rhetoric can’t change that. 

CHECK THE FACTS: 

[Tampa Bay Times, 4/22/11]

[Tampa Bay Times, 9/5/14]