Statement from Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael W. Sole Regarding the Ruling by Judge Gold

“We are extremely disappointed with the ruling today by United States District Court Judge Alan S. Gold. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) maintains that its permitting actions have been consistent with the Clean Water Act, Florida law and the Court’s earlier order. DEP and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have worked in close coordination in establishing water quality standards and issuing permits that are not only in compliance with the Clean Water Act but also are protective of the Everglades.

“While we are currently evaluating all of our options for moving forward, we are certain that an appeal will be necessary.

“The Everglades is the largest environmental restoration project in the world. With more than $1.8 billion already invested in water quality improvements, the state has demonstrated unwavering commitment to clean up and restore the Everglades. We remain committed to cooperating and negotiating with our federal partners to build the right suite of projects and implement permits that will bring meaningful progress in restoring the Everglades.”