July 16
Floridaīs Republican governor has signed a trio of executive orders to reduce the stateīs greenhouse gas emissions.
Gov. Charlie Crist also signed cooperation pacts on climate change with Britain and Germany.
The executive orders signed July 13 commit Florida to pursuing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, as well as alternative energy such as ethanol and hydrogen.
One of the measures requires the state government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent by 2012, 25 percent by 2017, and 40 percent by 2025. To achieve the goal, state buildings constructed in the future will be energy-efficient and include solar panels whenever possible. In addition, any purchased state vehicles should be fuel-efficient and preferably use ethanol or biodiesel fuel.
A second measure directs the adoption of maximum emission levels of greenhouse gases for electric utilities. The standard will require a reduction of emissions to 2000 levels by 2017 and to 1990 levels by 2025. In addition, by 2050, Florida utilities should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels. The measure also calls for energy-efficient consumer appliances to increase efficiency by 15 percent of current standards.
A third executive order calls for the appointment of a diverse group of stakeholders to a Governorīs Action Team on Energy and Climate Change. The team will create an action plan to help the state develop strategies beyond those unveiled by the governor for addressing climate change.
Finally, Gov. 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.
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