Ahead of sine die, today Sierra Club Florida sent an out-of-the-ordinary “veto request” letter to Governor Ron DeSantis. The fact that the Governor has been signing bills into law at lightning pace led the organization to send the veto request missive even before the end of the legislative session. Sierra Club’s novel approach comes in light of the unprecedented onslaught of anti-environment and anti-democracy legislation that worked its way through the legislative session. Sierra Club was struck by the fact that one, or even a handful of vetoes from the Governor would not be enough. As such, the Governor will not receive traditional veto requests from the Sierra Club this year.
Instead, Sierra Club sees this legislative session as the ultimate opportunity for the Governor to reveal his true colors. The letter sent today lists twelve (12) anti-environment/anti-democracy bills that Sierra Club Florida staff, members, and supporters worked assiduously to amend or stop. The Governor must veto each and every one of these bad bills if he wants to continue proclaiming himself as a pro-environment “Teddy Roosevelt Republican.”
Deborah Foote, Acting Florida Chapter Director said: “Sierra Club is appalled by the Legislature’s unprecedented attack on our state’s natural resources and the transparent, fair processes that Floridians have used to protect the environment and public health in the past. This then is the ultimate test for Governor DeSantis. When he addresses this list of bills, he will show himself to be either the enemy of environmental protection and the public process or their champion.”
“Floridians recognize the difference between talking a big talk and walking the true walk. We know the difference between greenwashing and the tangible protection of our environment and our people. This is a pass/fail test for Governor DeSantis; he has the chance to save the day or continue with business as usual,” stated Steve Wonderly, Florida Chapter Chair.
The letter sent to Governor DeSantis is linked here and copied below.
