Florida isn’t the only state that’s approved a dedicated source of funding for environmental programs. Conservation proposals totaling more than $13 billion gained approval in other states and counties.
Florida’s Amendment One would dedicate a percentage of revenues from real estate transaction fees to fund land and water conservation projects. It could generate $700 million a year says the Trust for Public Land’s Will Abberger.
“With this overwhelming victory for Amendment One shown how much they care for protecting Florida’s water quality, its drinking water sources, our natural areas and our wildlife habitat," he says.
Nationally, voters also approved funding for land and marsh conservation, parks and open areas in California, New Jersey and Montana. But in two places, North Dakota and Los Angeles County, conservation proposals failed.
Critics of Florida’s Amendment One say they’re concerned it could restrict the ability of the Florida legislature to fund other areas of the state budget.
