Editorial Board, tcpalm.com
NEGATIVE EFFECT: Deregulation under Gov. Rick Scott has had a negative effect on the state’s waterways, including the Indian River Lagoon.
This is the conclusion of a months-long investigation of public records by Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers.
Among other things, the investigation found that policy changes, reduced oversight at the state level and easier permitting under Scott helped foster projects that pose more harm to the environment than projects allowed under previous governors.
Additionally, data from the state Department of Environmental Protection show the agency’s enforcement cases dropped to 210 last year from 1,372 in 2010, the last year former Gov. Charlie Crist was in office. The agency also collected about 90 percent less in fines from violators in 2013 than in 2010, according to DEP figures.