Group Of Kids Sue Florida’s ‘I’m Not A Scientist’ Governor To Demand Action On Climate Change

A group of eight children on Monday sued Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) to force him to demand that the state begin working on a court-ordered, science-based “Climate Recovery Plan,” the Miami Herald reported.

The group of kids, represented by Oregon-based Our Children’s Trust, is alleging in the lawsuit that Gov. Scott and his administration are not taking the necessary steps to combat climate change, failing to take action on the threat of rising sea levels and failing to pass any legislation meant to measure or curb carbon emissions.

One of the plaintiffs Delaney Reynolds, an 18-year-old who attends UM’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, said she finds Gov. Scott’s response to climate change “completely unacceptable.”

“Gov. Scott says he’s not a scientist,” she said. “Well, neither are most of the people that are forced to take action because the state is failing us.”

“We want these stories in the courtroom, because once that happens the law is on our side,” said Andrea Rogers, a senior attorney at Our Children’s Trust.

However, Scott’s spokesman McKinley Lewis released a statement defending the governor’s stance.

“The Governor signed one of the largest environmental protection budgets in Florida’s history last month – investing $4 billion into Florida’s environment,” the statement said.

“The Governor is focused on real solutions to protect our environment – not political theater or a lawsuit orchestrated by a group based in Eugene, Oregon.”

The Hill added:

According to the Herald, Florida continues to face increasing risks due to climate change. By 2070, the streets of Miami could flood every day due to climate change, according to new research from the NOAA.

In the past, Scott has said he is not a “scientist” when questioned about climate change. He has also previously voiced his support for President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement.

Scott earlier this month formally announced he would run for Senate, challenging Sen. Bill Nelson (D).