Governor Charlie Crist is poised to sign a series of Executive Orders
to adopt proactive and ambitious goals for the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions in Florida. One of the orders specifically calls for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Florida would be
the largest state on the east coast and the first state in the southeast to
adopt such aggressive goals.
Statement of Environment Florida Executive Director Mark Ferrulo:
“Global warming is the most urgent environmental challenge of our time,
and Governor Crist is rising to that challenge by establishing a firm,
far-reaching, science-based commitment to reduce Florida’s global warming
emissions.
The Governor’s support for policies needed to achieve steep reductions will
ensure Florida tackles this problem head-on and sets a vital precedent for
strong national action.
Scientists have
warned that we must dramatically reduce emissions of the pollutants that cause
global warming if we are to avoid the worst impacts, including increased
drought and forest fires, coastal flooding and stronger tropical storms.
Under the leadership
of Governor Crist, Florida has already taken action to prevent new sources of
global warming pollution by derailing two massive coal fired power plants.
Now, Gov. Crist has taken the next critical step. We need to make our
cars and trucks cleaner, make our buildings and appliances more energy
efficient, and use more renewable energy like wind and solar. The
policies embodied in these Executive Orders, in addition to reducing global
warming, will create jobs, improve air quality, and protect our natural
environment.
Florida is at ground zero when it comes to the most harmful
impacts of global warming. If we expect other states and nations to take
immediate action to derail this looming disaster, we have to lead by example
ourselves. We applaud Gov. Crist for his leadership on this issue and
look forward to working with him and his staff in moving Florida towards a new
energy future."
