Governor Crist Appoints Energy Action Team

Aug. 13, 2007

Will develop long-term plan for statewide greenhouse gas reductions

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today appointed the Florida Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change. The team will consist of 21 members appointed by the Governor and is charged with developing Florida’s Energy and Climate Change Action Plan.

“Florida is providing the moral leadership needed to preserve our state’s beautiful natural environment,” Governor Crist said. “During the next few months, Florida’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change will develop further recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diversify our energy resources.”

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 will develop a comprehensive strategy 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. Phase one will also include strategies to diversify fuels used to generate electricity.

“More than 70 percent of Florida’s electricity is generated by fossil fuels which contribute to our state’s carbon emissions,” said Governor Crist. “By diversifying we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect consumers from volatile fuel prices.”

Additionally, phase one 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.

“The action team will work to generate strategic investments and public-private partnerships to spur economic development around climate-friendly industries,” said Governor Crist. “These initiatives are part of our commitment to reducing Florida’s greenhouse gases and increasing energy efficiency.”

Energy Action Team

The Florida Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change will consist of 21 members, each appointed to a term beginning August 13, 2007, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.

“By appointing diverse stakeholders to represent the people of Florida, we will create a Florida Energy and Climate Change Action Plan that will include long-term plans to reduce emissions, including recommendations for proposed legislation for the 2008 Legislative Session and beyond,” said Governor Crist.

Secretary Michael W. Sole of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will serve as chairman of the action team. 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. 

 “Climate change could significantly impact Florida’s businesses and disturb the way of life enjoyed by millions of Floridians,” said Secretary Michael W. Sole. “Florida is more vulnerable to rising ocean levels and violent weather patterns than any other state, and I am confident the actions we take to reduce greenhouse gases can reduce the potential for these harsh consequences.”

Appointments to the Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change include:

·       Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection –

Secretary Michael W. Sole, Chairman

·       Chair of the Florida Public Service Commission –

Chairperson Lisa Edgar

·       Four members of the Florida Legislature –

Senator Jeff Atwater, Senator Al Lawson, Representative Stan Mayfield, Representative Dan Gelber

·       Consumer Advocate –

Jack Shreve, Senior Counsel to the Governor

·       Five representatives of the environmental community –

Manley Fuller, Florida Wildlife Federation; David Guest, Earthjustice; Debbie Harrison, World Wildlife Fund; Gerald Karnas, Environmental Defense; Charles Pattison, 1000 Friends of Florida

·       Three representatives of the business community –

Jerry Montgomery, Mark Kaplan, Kathleen Shanahan

·       Chair of the Energy Commission –

Chairman Tommy Boroughs

·       Three members of the academic community –

Dr. Lonnie Ingram, Professor of Microbiology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida; Camille Coley, Executive Assistant Vice President for Research, Florida Atlantic University; Dr. James Fenton, Florida Solar Energy Center, University of Central Florida

·       One representative of the utilities industry –

Armando Olivera, President, FPL Group

·       One local government representative –

Mayor Rick Baker, Vice-Chairman