Statement by Governor Charlie Crist Regarding Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Sole

“For more than 20 years, Secretary Sole has shown tremendous leadership in safeguarding one of Florida’s greatest assets – our beautiful natural environment. During his time at the helm of the Department of Environmental Protection, he has championed Florida’s Everglades restoration, including expanding our efforts to the northernmost parts of an ecosystem that is essential to the water quality of millions of Floridians, as well as the vital estuary of Florida Bay.

“Mike has also been instrumental in Florida’s first efforts to address climate change by increasing state government’s energy efficiency and reliance on alternative fuels such as solar energy and ethanol. He also worked to pass groundbreaking bipartisan energy legislation that set Florida on its first steps to diversify the state’s energy sources, promote energy conservation and efficiency, and spur economic growth.

“As the point person for Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Mike has demonstrated unwavering commitment and invaluable insight into what actions must be taken. Now that the well is close to being capped permanently, we wish Mike well as he leaves next month to pursue other opportunities. We wish him the very best in his new endeavors.”