On Friday July 13, 2007, Governor Charlie Crist signed three executive
orders that will move Florida to a national leadership position in
renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction.
In the first executive order (#07-126), Crist states that Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(GHG) are to be gradually decreased over the next eighteen
years, starting with 10 percent over the next four years.
Crist sets an expectation that these gases will be drastically
reduced by 40 percent by 2025. The order states that all
new buildings in Florida owned and operated by the Department
of Management Services (DMS) are to be built according to
the United States Green Building Council’s
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction
(LEED-NC) and are to strive for the Platinum Level certification,
the highest level of certification.
Existing buildings owned by DMS must follow the LEED-EB standards.
Agencies and departments will not lease office space that does not
meet ENERGY STAR® building standards. Additionally,
Crist’s order
requires that state government fleets drive fuel-efficient
vehicles that minimize emissions of greenhouse gases. The
Department of Environmental Protection will develop bid criteria
for rental vehicles that incorporate best possible energy
efficiency and environmental performance.
The second executive order (#07-127) establishes statewide GHG emission reduction
targets. Governor Crist has set goals to lower Florida’s emissions
and aims to return to the state’s year 2000 GHG emission levels
by 2012; then by 2025 Florida is expected to be at the1990 emission
level. Crist’s ambitious goal for the GHG level in the year
2050 is an 80 percent reduction of the 1990 level. The state will
adopt the California motor vehicle emission standards for greenhouse
gases and will also adopt a statewide diesel engine idle reduction
standard. In addition, Crist has requested that 20 percent of the
state’s electricity come from renewable energy sources with
a focus on solar and wind energy. This order becomes effective Sept.1,
2007.
Executive order number three (#07-128) creates an action team that will develop
a comprehensive Energy and Climate Change Action Plan. The Governor
intends for this plan to fully achieve Executive Order targets for
statewide greenhouse gas reductions. The action team will be comprised
of diverse members, each providing expertise and knowledge. The action
plan will be completed in two phases with the first going into effect
Nov. 1, 2007 and the second by Oct. 1, 2008.
The Governor also signed international agreements with the United
Kingdom and the Federal
Republic of Germany. Florida joins each nation
in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and calls for immediate
worldwide action. Florida hopes to strengthen ties with each country
while improving upon the science and technologies used for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, improving public policies and overall increasing
climate-friendly commerce between Florida, the United Kingdom and
Germany.