Gov. Ron DeSantis placed a special emphasis on Florida's environment during his first State of the State address to the Legislature Tuesday, the first day of its annual session.

DeSantis reviewed some of his environmental policy goals during the speech, mentioning water policy before any other topic during his address.

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The governor has focused heavily on water policy during his first weeks in office, including increasing funding for water projects, calling for committees to research and develop policies to fight algal blooms and starting a search for a chief science officer.

DeSantis also mentioned his Jan. 10 call for all South Florida Water Management District board members to resign.

"We needed a fresh start and I’m pleased to report that I’ve appointed a number of good people to this board," he said.

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Here is what DeSantis said about the environment during his state of the state address:

"Florida is blessed with some of the nation’s finest natural resources. We are the fishing and boating capital of the United States. Our beaches bring millions of tourists to our state each and every year. The state’s unique natural environment is central to our economy, our quality of life and our identity as Floridians.

I’m proud to have taken swift and bold action to protect our natural resources and improve Florida’s water quality.

We are repositioning our water policy to meet the needs of our citizens by, among other things:

Expediting key projects like the EAA reservoir and raising the Tamiami Trail;

Establishing a blue-green algae task force to develop policies to fight algae blooms, fight red tide and improve water quality; and

Appointing a chief science officer to better harness scientific data and research in service of Florida’s most pressing environmental needs

I’ve requested $2.5 billion over the next four years for water resources projects and Everglades restoration. This represents a $1 billion increase compared to the previous four years and will allow us to bring major projects to completion. Given the persistent water problems we have seen over the past several years, now is the time to be bold.

We cannot leave for tomorrow that which we can do today.

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Because the people of Florida should have confidence that their interests are being reflected in policy implementation, I asked and received the resignations of all members on the South Florida Water Management District. We needed a fresh start and I’m pleased to report that I’ve appointed a number of good people to this board.

We have a bold vision, we have good folks in key positions, and with your support for these initiatives, we will restore and preserve the beauty of Florida for generations to come."