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BBCAT Letter to Florida Energy Commission Requesting Acceleration of Climate Action Plan March 2007 |
March 15, 2007 To: Dr. Todd Sack Chair Climate Change Advisory Group Florida Energy Commission From: Pam McVety, Biologist On behalf of Big Bend Climate Action Team Subject: Accelerated Climate Action Plan for Florida As you are well aware, the debate on the reality of climate change is over and we must all shift our efforts to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible. As scientists, writers, attorneys, architects and concerned citizens, the Big Bend Climate Action Team is asking you to accelerate the preparation of a Climate Action Plan for Florida. Last year, when the energy legislation was drafted establishing the Energy Commission and calling for the development of a comprehensive state climate action plan for greenhouse gas reduction through a public involvement process, it was not widely understood that the world’s carbon emissions were rapidly moving towards a tipping point, beyond which climate change would become unstoppable and dangerous. Dr. James E. Hansen, Director of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies at NASA and one of our leading climate scientists, has repeatedly stated that we have at most ten years – not ten years to decide upon action, but ten years to alter fundamentally the trajectory of global greenhouse emissions. This requires immediate action. We suggest that the Climate Advisory Group recommend to the full Commission the completion of a Climate Action Plan by December 31, 2007, including draft implementation legislation for the 2008 session. It may seem daunting, but it actually is very doable by relying on the experience and expertise of Terry Tamminen or his associate Tom Peterson, both with the Center for Climate Strategies (www.climatestrategies.us). Either gentleman could would work with the Energy Commission on preparation of the Climate Action Plan and implementing legislation; lobby the Legislature; and work collaboratively with the electric - transportation sectors and other stakeholder groups to develop a broad base of support and consensus. Governor Crist has called on us to “place our state at the forefront of a growing world-wide movement to reduce greenhouse gases.” We can best do this by accelerating the preparation of the Climate Action Plan and implementing legislation. Talented citizens and energy experts stand ready to assist, but leadership is required to put us on the fast track to emissions reduction so Florida can do its fair share in time to avoid the tipping point. |