Last week CL reported on the Climate Science & Solutions Summit, an event organized by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Speakers included scientists, elected officials, environmentalists and businesspeople making a living in solar power.The first panel featured three of the five climate scientists who met with Governor Scott in August, though only for a half-hour. But they, along with a host of business leaders, local elected officials and the public, are asking to meet in person again with Scott to review a comprehensive overview of climate change solutions, which they have laid out in a letter sent to him today.
"Although you couldn't make it to the summit," the letter states, "it is our our aim to bring forward the optimal ways to deal with the challenges to Florida stemming from climate change. Along those lines, we respectfully request the opportunity to brief you on the carefully crafted solutions we discussed at the Climate Science and Solutions Summit."
And here they are:
Limiting carbon pollution by:
- developing a strong plan for meeting the EPA’s Clean Power Plan standards,
- ramping up energy efficiency measures,
- instituting policies that encourage solar energy and electric vehicles (e.g., car charging stations, development of battery storage),
- increasing public transportation initiatives (e.g., Greenlight Pinellas, Rail)
- developing cellulosic biofuels.
Prioritizing statewide policy measures that emphasize:
- integrated resource utility planning to bring forward low cost energy options
- competition among energy resources to ensure the lowest cost to consumers.
- aggressive efficiency standards and goals, such as energy benchmarking, auditing and transparency work,
- an end to the practice of 2-year payback screens for conservation goals,
- abatement of the Tangible Personal Property Tax on leased solar equipment,
- innovative financing mechanisms for energy efficiency and solar power (e.g., Property Assessed Clean Energy - PACE; and Community Development Finance Institution - CDFI),
- mandatory, ambitious Renewable Portfolio Standards,
- repeal of nuclear cost recovery provisions
- third-party Power Purchase Agreements, and
- Instituting mitigation measures in the areas of:
- transportation,
- wetlands enhancement,
- weatherization,
- LED street lighting.
Adopting adaptation solutions such as:
- planning for sea-level rise (e.g., the South Florida Regional Climate Compact, and the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council),
- developing robust building energy codes,
- addressing energy resilience and
- building solar-ready roofs.
Incorporating educational opportunities such as:
- public hearings,
- integration of climate science into K-12 curriculum,
- advancing public transportation,
- forming a Civilian Conservation Corps, and
- prioritizing initiatives to encourage people to buy locally and consume "lower on the food chain.
Promoting technology and career opportunities in:
- manufacturing,
- solar,
- agriculture, and
- retooling and innovation.
Implementing measures aimed at reducing public health risks, such as asthma and pulmonary diseases, stemming from combustion of fossil fuels.
Supporting academic resources, such as the Florida Climate Institute.