Posted on 07/14/2007 4:01:17 AM PDT by jsh3180
Cheered on by fellow Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gov. Charlie Crist signed tough -- if general -- orders to combat global warming.
The silver-haired governor of Florida stood arm-in-arm Friday with the silver-screen governor of California, joked about being recast in Twins, and then -- as the cameras rolled -- signed a groundbreaking set of environmental protection orders.
Gov. Charlie Crist described the mandates as a framework for a new, more future-friendly way of living and conducting business in Florida.
''State government is leading by example,'' he said. ``It is the right thing to do.''
It also is a popular thing to do. Symbolizing the new star power of environmentalism, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger joined Crist at the signing ceremony after delivering a variation of his trademark line:
'We have to say `Hasta la vista, baby' to greenhouse gases.''
Among the components of Crist's plan, long on goals though short on specifics:
Tough new pollution standards for automobiles; a strong regulatory push for solar and wind energy; state vehicles powered by biofuel -- all contributing to sharply reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 2017, with deeper cuts by 2025 and even more by 2050.
Friday's action propelled the state -- and Crist -- into the forefront of a new, still evolving but already politically popular struggle with global warming.
Schwarzenegger insisted that the effort represented more than a lot of hot air.
''We have our work cut out for us, and there is no time to waste,'' Schwarzenegger told 600 people at the conclusion of the two-day Florida Summit on Climate Change sponsored by Crist at the InterContinental Miami hotel. ``You are on your way.''
About an hour later, Crist signed three orders:
• Many, but not all, state operations will be required to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other so-called greenhouse gases by 10 percent in 2012, 25 percent by 2017 and 40 percent by 2025.
New state buildings and rented offices must be ''energy efficient'' and include solar panels where possible. State vehicles must be ''fuel efficient'' and use ethanol and biodiesel fuels when available.
Exempted from the requirements, though ''encouraged'' to embrace them: the Legislature, university system, Cabinet agencies and several state departments.
• Power companies must reduce emissions to 2000 levels by 2017, to 1990 levels by 2025 and to 80 percent of the 1990 levels by 2050.
• State regulators must demand that utilities use wind, solar or other renewable sources to produce 20 percent of their power by 2020.
• Florida will adopt California's motor vehicle emission standards, including a 22 percent reduction by 2012 and a 30 percent reduction by 2016. Those standards are being challenged in court.
Asked if he favored a return to annual inspections for Florida vehicles, a widely unpopular program that ended years ago, Crist said he preferred to pressure automakers into improving engines.
BEARING THE COST
No costs were detailed or even discussed, but most seemed likely to be borne by private industry, though they could be passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices and rates.
The varied forces at the conference -- activists, utility and other corporate officials, lobbyists, entrepreneurs -- largely lauded the effort and its goals. But they expressed awareness that the true test will come as specific plans are mapped to meet the general targets.
Challenges include technological limitations, financial constraints and competition from developing -- and less environmentally sensitive -- nations in Asia and elsewhere.
Michael Williams, a spokesman for Florida Power & Light, said his company already is recognized within the industry as a ''clean'' utility but is eager to move forward -- in ways to be determined.
'The governor has set the bar very high, and now we all have to go back and say, `OK, how do we get there?' '' Williams said.
Schwarzenegger said he has learned that some business interests might try to derail efforts to reduce pollution, even those sponsored by Republicans, who had been viewed as more sympathetic to business than Democrats.
As an example of what he faced, he mentioned a campaign in Michigan that accuses him of harming the auto industry.
'They have billboards that say, `Arnold to Michigan: Drop dead,' but that's not what I'm saying,'' Schwarzenegger told the crowd. 'What I'm saying is, `Arnold to Michigan: Get off your butts.' ''
He said Crist was joining him as a Republican governor who is ''defying conventional wisdom'' by adopting a program that could be seen as harmful to business and the economy.
''But we won't have an economy if we destroy our environment,'' Schwarzenegger said.
In addition, the Bush Administration has blocked progress at every turn, he said, compelling a growing number of governors to make an end run around Washington.
''They are not looking to Washington for leadership any more,'' Schwarzenegger said. ``They want to do their own thing.''
Finding a path through those minefields is essential, Crist and others said, especially for Florida.
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
The nation's fourth most populous state, Florida ranks third in total energy consumption -- and is still gaining an average of 980 residents a day. In addition, 70 percent of its electricity is produced by fossil fuels, which pollute the atmosphere with carbon emissions.
''State government is the largest single enterprise within Florida,'' Crist said. ``It makes sense for us to lead by example, and over the course of this summit, we will begin that leadership.''
He and supporters said that by the end of the two-day conference, little doubt remained that an important corner had been turned -- not only for the state but for the nation.
''What happens in Florida does not stay in Florida,'' said Larry Schweiger, chief executive officer of the National Wildlife Federation. ``Florida is now in the eye of a great storm.''
Hey, B-A!!!! Was thinking of you yesterday.....haven’t seen you on here too often. Hoping all is well.
For people who claim to live in paradise they sure are cranky.
God, this guy acts dumber by the day. He and Crist both can go to Hell.
As far as the drought, it's been raining in most parts of the state. However, for every inch of rain that falls, 10 new homes or businesses sprout up. Not that I'm against growth or building, but we sensibly must have the infrastructure to support it.
Mama’s don’t let your conservatives grow up to be RINO’s . . .
I expect to work diligently to ensure that Charlie is a one-term Governor!
I'm not giving my opinion, but the gay community down here swears that Crist is gay. I've read many such articles in the artsy weekly newspapers. They stated that the only reason they didn't out him was because he is Gay friendly. This was a stealth candidate from the start.
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