"I will continue working to evaluate key environmental risks and recommend policy changes to effectuate practical solutions in order to ensure the protection of Florida’s natural resources."

~ Michael W. Sole
Secretary

On December 21, 2006, Governor Charlie Crist named Michael W. Sole as Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. As Secretary, Mr. Sole oversees Florida’s environmental regulatory and law enforcement programs, the acquisition, conservation and management of public lands, including Florida’s award-winning state parks, and the development and regulation of Florida’s water resources through the State’s five water management districts.

Recently, Governor Crist appointed Secretary Sole as Chairman of the Florida Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change. Under the leadership of Secretary Sole, the Action Team submitted the Phase One report on November 1, 2007. The report includes 35 findings and 30 recommendations regarding Florida’s energy policy and incorporating greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies into Florida’s energy future.

Secretary Sole has served the Department since 1991, most recently as Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy where he spearheaded the 2006 Florida Energy Act -- the four-year, $100 million plan to diversify the state’s fuel supply and promote energy conservation and efficiency.

Prior to his appointment as deputy secretary, Secretary Sole served as the Department’s chief of staff and also as the director of the Division of Waste Management. As Director, Mr. Sole was responsible for implementing state and federal laws relating to solid and hazardous waste management, storage tank regulation and the cleanup of contaminated sites. A long time advocate for Florida’s environment, Secretary Sole began his career in environmental protection as a biological scientist for the Florida Department of Natural Resources. During his sixteen years as an environmental manager he has undertaken responsibilities ranging from marine turtle protection and invasive plant management to beach preservation, wetland protection and petroleum cleanup.

Secretary Sole was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, serving our nation during the Gulf War. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Marine Biology from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Secretary Sole, wife Jeannie and daughter Samantha are all native Floridians and enjoy scuba diving and visiting any one of Florida’s more than 150 state parks during family outings and vacations.