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TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today received the Phase One report of
the Action Team on Energy and Climate Change. The report includes
recommendations regarding Florida’s energy policy and incorporating greenhouse
gas emission reduction strategies into Florida’s energy future. In addition to
the report released today, the Action Team will issue a final report by October
1, 2008.
“The Action Team has an important challenge posed to them – creating a
strategy to protect our state from the effects of climate change,” said Governor
Crist. “I thank Secretary Michael Sole and all team members for their dedication
and extraordinary leadership. Together, we are moving Florida forward and
ensuring the continued prosperity of her economy and the protection of her
beautiful natural resources.”
Executive Order 07-128 established the Governor’s Action Team on Energy and
Climate Change and charged the diverse 21-member appointed group with creating
and evaluating comprehensive actions to achieve reduction targets for greenhouse
gas reductions specified in Executive Order 07-127.
With 1,350 miles of coastline and most residents living in coastal
communities, Florida may be more vulnerable to the worst effects of climate
change than any other state. Changes in climate can affect water temperatures
and salt levels, disrupting nature’s perfect balance in sensitive areas such as
America’s Everglades and coral reefs. Rising sea levels can jeopardize Florida’s
water supply as well as nearshore habitats, such as seagrass flats – threatening
the state’s unique flora and fauna.
“With today’s Phase One report, the Action Team has identified 35 initial
findings and 30 initial recommendations to better track and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, including energy efficiency and conservation targets,” said
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael W. Sole, who
was appointed by Governor Crist as Chairman of the panel.
By compiling findings and recommendations in three distinct sectors - power
generation, transportation as well as state and local governments – the report
provides a basis for a far-reaching strategy for preserving Florida’s
environment, economy and quality of life.
"The Phase One interim report is a critical first step in compiling a
comprehensive energy policy for Florida," said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker
who is serving as Action Team Vice Chairman. "As we move into the second phase
of the plan, the findings and recommendations released today will allow the
Action Team to develop strategies that address energy security, economic
development, and greenhouse gas limits while being mindful of the ultimate cost
impact on the consumers of Florida."
Phase Two of the action plan 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
storage 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.
On July 13, 2007, Governor Charlie Crist set a new direction for Florida’s
energy future by signing a groundbreaking set of Executive Orders during the
Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change. The three Executive
Orders represent the Governor’s commitment to addressing global climate change,
a promise to reduce Florida’s greenhouse gases, increase our energy efficiency
and pursue more renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind technologies,
as well as alternative energy, such as ethanol and hydrogen. In addition,
Governor Crist committed to partnering with Germany and the United Kingdom to
discuss and promote initiatives that broaden the Kyoto Protocol and reduce the
emission of greenhouse gases beyond 2012.
For more information about the action team or to view the Phase One report,
visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/climatechange. |
