TAMPA, Fla.—Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) Jan. 3 appointed Herschel Vineyard to lead the Department of Environmental Protection. In a statement, Scott said Vineyard, a former environmental attorney and director of business operation for BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards in Jacksonville, would protect the state's natural resources while creating “the best possible mechanisms for job creation.” Vineyard had served on Scott's economic development transition team. “Good environmental practices make good business sense. Not only can such stewardship better protect the resources around us, they often save money and lead to new innovation,” Scott said. “Herschel has been on the front lines of such efforts and will ensure that Florida leads the nation in new partnerships between government and industry that save money, streamline processes and create jobs.” The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate and Cabinet.
