PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release – February 11, 2019
Contact: Sean Cooley, Communications Director, (850) 999-1030, scooley@audubon.org
Twitter: @AudubonFL

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - In response to today’s landmark decision by U.S. Judge Federico Moreno protecting water quality in America's Everglades, Audubon Florida Executive Director Julie Wraithmell celebrated the move and said:

“Fantastic news! Today’s denial by Judge Moreno is a huge win for America’s Everglades, the people of Florida, and the wildlife that depend on this incredible ecosystem. We’re grateful Judge Moreno stopped this unnecessary distraction from Everglades restoration. South Florida’s water quality and quantity needs are urgent, and I’m looking forward to refocusing on the restoration of Florida’s famed River of Grass.”

“For 30 years, a federal court’s consent decree has protected water quality in the Everglades and required polluted water be cleaned up before entering Everglades National Park. Audubon was shocked when the South Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board rushed to vacate this important agreement and risk the progress we’ve made in Everglades restoration. With new leadership on the District’s Governing Board and a renewed vigor for Everglades restoration in Tallahassee, I’m glad this distraction is over. Let’s save America’s Everglades.”