Governor Crist Receives First Report Completed by Action Team on Energy and Climate Change

~ 21-member team completes Phase One of initiative outlined in Executive Order 07-128 ~

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  <http://www.dep.state.flus/climatechange> www.dep.state.fl.us/climatechange.

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