Governor Crist Addresses His Action Team on Energy and Climate Change   

“The Action Team continues to work with state, national and international leaders as well as the public as we carefully consider strategies to help further reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said DEP Secretary Sole, who the Governor appointed as Chairman of the Action Team. “The Team’s November 1 report will provide recommendations related to electric utilities and the transportation sector as well as others to further our state’s long-term climate-friendly efforts. This diverse group of stakeholders is making great progress in our charge to help protect our beautiful state.”

At today’s meeting, members identified some “consensus concepts” to begin outlining recommendations for the November 1 report to the Governor. Members also heard from three representatives of Florida electrical utilities on their perspectives of the issues within the Action Team charge as well presentations regarding greenhouse gas emissions associated with the transportation sector.

Presentations included:

• Perspectives of Florida’s Electric Utilities
  Jeff Lyash, President and CEO, Florida Progress Energy
Randall LaBauve, Vice President Environmental Services, Florida Power & Light Barry Moline, Executive Director, Florida Municipal Electric Association
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Florida’s Transportation Sector and Actions taken to Date to Reduce Emissions
  Joe Kahn, Director of Air Resources Management, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Land Use, and Transportation in Florida
  Charlie Gauthier, Director of Community Planning, Department of Community Affairs
Bob Romig, Director of Policy Planning, Department of Transportation

The Action Team received public comment at today’s meeting about proceedings to date and recommendations for the November 1 report. Further public comment can be provided electronically to actionteam@dep.state.fl.us.

The Governor’s Action Team is one component of a series of initiatives outlined in three Executive Orders Governor Crist signed at the Serve to Preserve Summit on Global Climate Change. Other activities include developing a carbon scorecard for all state agencies and making state buildings and vehicles more energy efficient.

The action team will work to strengthen existing public-private partnerships and voluntary industry participation through programs such as DEP’s Green Lodging Program and Clean Boating Partnership.

The next meeting is Wednesday, October 24, in Tallahassee. More information will be posted at the web site area as dates and agendas are confirmed. Public comment will be taken at the Action Team meetings, and the public is invited to submit public comment through the Web site at any time.

To sign up for free email alerts about Florida’s current climate change activities, see the presentations from the meetings, or for more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/climatechange.

Background on Energy Action Team

Governor Crist established the Action Team on Energy and Climate Change by signing Executive Order 07-128, “Florida Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change,” on July 13, 2007. The team consists of 21 members, each appointed to a term beginning August 13, 2007, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor. The team will develop an Action Plan to achieve targets for statewide greenhouse gas reductions, including policy recommendations and changes to existing law. The Florida Energy and Climate Change Action Plan will be completed in two phases:

• Phase One – Completion Date: November 1, 2007
  The action team will make recommendations regarding Florida’s energy policy, including legislative initiatives to enhance energy and conservation by incorporating greenhouse gas emission strategies as well as strategies to diversify fuels used to generate electricity. Phase one also will establish policies for emission reporting and will create a registry to measure and document emission reductions. The action team will evaluate reducing greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and will develop a plan for increasing renewable transportation fuels.
   
• Phase Two – Completion Date: October 1, 2008
  Phase two will focus on mitigating impacts to society, public health, the economy and the environment created by greenhouse gas emissions from new growth. The action team will explore carbon capture and store technologies and will coordinate a long-term public policy focused on reducing greenhouse gases in areas of economic development, university-based research and technology development, energy, environmental protection, natural resource and growth management and transportation.

Secretary Michael W. Sole of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) serves as chairman of the Action Team on Energy and Climate Change, and DEP will provide administrative support. The Department of Community Affairs, Department of Transportation, Public Service Commission and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will also provide assistance at the request of the chairman.