Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change Continues Developing Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change met today in Tallahassee, Florida and discussed developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  For your review, we have included a copy of the Governor’s press release, which summarizes the activities that took place during the meeting.

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

 

21-member panel works to meet first report deadline of November 1

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change today met for the second time in three weeks to continue developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diversify Florida’s energy resources.  Chaired by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole, the team consists of 21 diverse members appointed by the Governor in August.

“I am confident Florida’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change will develop recommendations designed to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve our state’s beautiful natural environment,” said Governor Crist.

“By increasing conservation and energy efficiency and aggressively using clean energy technologies, we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by significant amounts in the coming years – but more action is needed,” said DEP Secretary Sole, who the Governor appointed as Chairman of the Action Team. “Working together, the Action Team will pull together a strategy to help reduce the potential for some of the harmful effects of climate change.”

At today’s meeting, members heard from three national and international leaders on the realities of using market-based tools to control pollutants as well as complementing those programs with energy efficiency policies. The team also listened to public comments on cap and trade programs and energy efficiency.  Presentations included:

·       Carbon Markets in Action: Key Lessons from the European Union

Jill Duggan, Head of International Emissions Trading, United Kingdom, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

·       Carbon Markets in Action: Key Lessons from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

Commissioner Gina McCarthy, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection

·       Complementing Carbon Markets with Energy Efficiency Policies

Philip Fairey, Deputy Director, Florida Solar Energy Center

The Action Team received public comment at today’s meeting, but offers the opportunity for further public comment to 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.

Future meetings are tentatively set for Friday, October 5, and Wednesday, October 24, all 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 and 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.