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TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today announced the 2008 Serve
to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change. The conference will be held
June 25-26, 2008, at the Intercontinental Miami. Building on the foundation for
Florida’s energy future began at last year’s summit, the 2008 summit will focus
on stimulating economic development in clean technologies as well as “greening”
Florida’s business community.
“Florida’s businesses continue to demonstrate that there is gold in green,
and climate-friendly energy sources – like ethanol and solar energy – are
bringing new prospects for our state,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “Encouraging
companies to do business the green way as well as building a strong market in
renewable energy technologies in the Sunshine State will strengthen our energy
and economic future and protect our natural environment for generations to
come.”
Building on the policy framework of the executive orders signed at the 2007
summit, this year’s summit focuses on developing Florida’s renewable and
alternative energy industries. By encouraging companies to invest in our state’s
energy future, Florida will transform its energy marketplace to enhance fuel
diversity, lessen dependence on foreign sources of oil and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. The 2008 summit will bring together industry leaders, policy makers,
academics, scientists, environmentalists and the business community to explore
opportunities for expanding Florida’s renewable and alternative energy
marketplace and greening our business community.
Since last year’s summit, Florida’s “green” economy has grown significantly.
Progress Energy along with Biomass Gas & Electric of Atlanta recently announced
a partnership to build in North Florida the largest waste-wood biomass plant in
the nation, converting waste wood to electricity. FPL Group, one of the largest
utilities in the country, has a number of solar and wind energy projects across
Florida, including a $2.4 billion investment in a 300 megawatt solar facility.
Also, during the Governor’s trade mission to Brazil last year, a $183 million
agreement was signed between Renewable Fuels of Tallahassee LLC and Controlsud
International Group to build a system that converts trash into energy in
Tallahassee. Additionally, other companies are expanding conservation efforts
and investing in upgrades at existing facilities to increase energy efficiency
and save money while stimulating our economy. Finally, in November, Florida was
home to the first carbon-neutral college football game between Florida State
University and the University of Florida in Gainesville.
On July 13, 2007, Governor Charlie Crist signed a suite of executive orders
to reduce Florida’s greenhouse gases emissions, increase energy efficiency, and
remove market barriers for renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind
energy. Since the executive orders were signed, Florida has stepped onto the
world stage as a major marketplace for advanced energy technologies. In
addition, the Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change Phase II
Report, due October 1, 2008, will provide additional recommendations for
strategic investments and public-private partnerships to spur climate-friendly
economic development opportunities.
For more information on the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global
Climate Change, or to register for the conference, visit
www.myfloridaclimate.com or
www.myflorida.com.
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