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Gov. Crist sets state global warming goal

On July 11, Gov. Charlie Crist signed an executive order that sets a goal of reducing Florida’s global warming emissions 80 percent by 2050—what scientists say we must do to prevent the worst effects of global warming.

In order to meet this goal, Gov. Crist’s executive orders call for adopting the Clean Cars program to reduce tailpipe emissions from vehicles, and increasing the energy efficiency of new homes, businesses and appliances in Florida at least 15 percent by 2009. The governor’s orders will also require utilities to generate 20 percent of their electricity from clean, renewable sources. Florida is the largest state on the east coast and the first state in the southeast to adopt such aggressive goals.

“Florida is at ground zero when it comes to the most harmful impacts of global warming, including increased drought and forest fires, coastal flooding and stronger tropical storms. If we expect other states and nations to take action to derail this looming disaster, we have to lead by example ourselves,” said Environment Florida Field Director Holly Binns. “Gov. Crist’s action sets a vital precedent for strong national action.”

The policies embodied in the governor’s executive order, in addition to reducing global warming pollution, will create jobs, improve air quality and protect our natural environment. One of the most important parts of the governor’s plan is to put the Florida Clean Cars program in place. Twelve other states enacted similar programs: California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

Cars and trucks are the fastest growing source of global warming pollution in Florida—responsible for 42 percent of the state’s emissions in 2004. And because there are more cars on the road and people are driving more, the problem is getting worse. Putting cleaner cars on the roads in Florida is a critical first step toward cutting our global warming pollution.

Under the Clean Cars program, by 2015, new cars would be required to emit 34 percent less global warming pollution on average, and light trucks 25 percent less pollution. From 2010 to 2020, thanks to the Clean Cars Program, vehicles in Florida will have released 54.4 million metric tons less carbon dioxide, the equivalent of removing 13.8 million of today’s cars off the road for a year.

Gov. Crist isn’t the only elected official in Florida to recognize the importance of reducing global warming pollution. Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Agricultural Commissioner Charles Bronson are cosponsoring a series of “Conversations on Climate Change” for the Florida Cabinet, and the Florida Energy Commission is drafting a greenhouse gas reduction plan for Florida.

Environment Florida staff are working with the governor and cabinet, the Florida Energy Commission, state legislators, and in other forums to make the Clean Cars program and other clean energy policies a reality, and to make Florida a leader in addressing global warming.
 

Gov. Crist signed three executive orders to make Florida a leader in curbing pollution.