August 1, 2007 — Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed three executive orders on July 13 that aim to reduce greenhouse gases, increase energy efficiency, and bolster the use of renewable energy. The signing ceremony concluded a Miami summit on global climate change. The orders Crist signed are summarized below.
- Leadership by Example: Immediate Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Florida State Government (EO 07-126) (.pdf file). This order requires the state government to measure greenhouse gas emissions, record carbon data, and then work to reduce emissions 10 percent by 2012, 25 percent by 2017, and 40 percent by 2025. To achieve that goal, state buildings constructed in the future must be energy efficient and include solar panels whenever possible. Future leases for office space must be in energy efficient buildings as well. Any state vehicles purchased in the future should be fuel efficient and use ethanol and biodiesel fuels when available.
- Immediate Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions within Florida (EO 07-127) (.pdf file). The order sets maximum emission levels of greenhouse gases for electric utilities. The standard will require reducing emissions to 2000 levels by 2017, to 1990 levels by 2025, and by 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050. The order also requires energy-efficient appliances to increase efficiency by 15 percent of current standards.
- Florida Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change (EO 07-128). The governor will appoint stakeholders to the team, which will create a climate change action plan. The plan will comprise strategies that go beyond the executive orders to reduce emissions, including recommendations for legislation.
