Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed the state’s first ever chief science officer in a nod to his “commitment to science-based solutions.” Thomas Frazer, a biologist from the University of Florida’s School of Forest Resources and Conservation, has experience in how pollution impacts water quality and served as chairman of the Climate Science Faculty Committee. According to CNN, climate change will be one of his mission areas. “We have to look at the facts of what is going on in the environment and can we bring science to bear on those changes happening now and in the future?” Frazer said.
“As one of Florida’s leading environmental researchers, Dr. Frazer understands the unique water issues facing our state and the actions we must take to solve them,” DeSantis said at the time of his announcement. “Since day one, my administration has been laser focused on addressing our pressing environmental challenges.”
“Our environment and waterways make Florida unique,” Frazer said of his new position. “I look forward to working with the governor and the Department of Environmental Protection on ways we can use sound science and research to improve our state’s water quality and protect the environment.”