TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist released on Thursday Florida’s first comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas emissions produced by state government. The study, Florida State Government Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scorecard, identifies the amount of greenhouse gases produced by state agencies during the 2006-07 fiscal year. The data serves as the baseline to track greenhouse gas emissions so state government can make state buildings and vehicles more energy efficient, as outlined in Governor Crist’s Executive Order 07-126.

“Reducing state government’s greenhouse gas emissions will reduce energy costs and wisely use taxpayer dollars,” said Governor Crist. “Today, we are leading by example and marking our starting point for reduced energy use and increased accountability as good stewards of our natural resources.”

Findings report that state agencies produced almost 899,107 metric tons of carbon dioxide in the 2006-07 fiscal year, the equivalent of emissions from 194,612 passenger cars or 115,418 homes. The study reports emissions data for each individual state agency buildings as well as vehicle emissions.

In his executive order, Governor Crist set the greenhouse gas reduction targets of 10 percent from current levels by 2012, 25 percent from current levels by 2017, and 40 percent from current levels by 2025. With this baseline data, state agencies and water management districts will identify areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and track these reductions.

“As the state’s landlord we have a huge opportunity to take this data and see what incremental improvements we should make to improve the efficiency of our real estate,” said Department of Management Services Secretary Linda H. South. “Governor Crist’s leadership in this important endeavor will make us better stewards of the state’s precious resources.”

Executive order 07-126 is one of three executive orders signed by Governor Crist at the Serve to Preserve Summit on Global Climate Change in July 2007. The order charges state government to “lead by example” through specific actions, including developing a climate-friendly preferred products list for cleaning supplies and strengthening existing public-private partnerships such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging Program. Another Executive Order establishes the 21-member Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change, a diverse group of stakeholders that is developing a plan for achieving targets for statewide greenhouse gas reductions, including policy recommendations and changes to existing law.

“Meeting Florida’s growing needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining our quality of life is one of the most important and challenging issues we face today,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael W. Sole. “I am confident that the actions we are taking now to identify and reduce emissions, coupled with the recommendations from the Governor’s Action Team, will help diversify our energy portfolio and lessen the potential for environmental and economic impacts.”

The Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Management Services produced the study by determining the level of greenhouse gas emissions using the GHG Protocol Initiative methodology for corporate greenhouse gas accounting. Developed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, this methodology is the most widely used framework globally for measuring greenhouse gas emissions.

Last summer, Governor Charlie Crist signed a set of executive orders to reduce Florida’s greenhouse gases emissions, increase energy efficiency, and remove market barriers for renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind energy. In the months since the executive orders were signed, Florida has stepped onto the world stage as a major marketplace for advanced energy technologies. Just two weeks ago, the Governor announced a $200 million energy and economic development budget recommendation that builds on the policy framework of the Governor’s executive orders, focusing on increasing energy efficiency, stimulating development of renewable sources of energy, and using markets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information about Governor Crist’s actions to address global climate change, or to download a copy of the report, visit www.MyFloridaClimate.com.

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today was joined by the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. to announce the new Serve to Preserve Scout Award [PDF - 903 KB]. Approximately 50 scouts, as well as state government leaders who are former scouts, joined the Governor to learn more about the new award program.

“Through programs like Serve to Preserve Florida, we are linking two of Florida’s greatest resources – our children and our environment,” said Governor Crist. “The award will give scouts the opportunity to develop a sense of stewardship for the environment and create an effective way for young people to share new ideas and approaches to protect natural Florida.”

The program allows scout troops to earn an award insignia by completing educational activities about Florida’s natural environment. Age-specific requirements for the Serve to Preserve Scout Award were developed in partnership with leaders from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in Florida. Requirements for the award include:

Cub Scouts (ages 7 – 10) and Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts (kindergarten – 3rd grade)

• Have a community clean-up day where your group picks up trash in a park, on school grounds, or another area that needs to be cared for.
• Draw pictures or write a letter to Governor Charlie Crist showing ways young people can Serve to Preserve Florida’s natural environment.

Boy Scouts (ages 10 – 18) and Juniors, Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts (grades 3 – 12)

• Organize a Serve to Preserve day in your community or school. Invite speakers from your community to speak to your classmates or group about ways to reduce pollution, conserve energy and help combat climate change.
• Learn about biofuels and how they are made, and list some of the alternative energy projects taking place in our state.

“For nearly 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America have taught young scouts about conservation, nature and the great outdoors,” said Matt Hart, CEO of the Suwannee River Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. “We are excited to further promote education among our young people and recognize scouts for their accomplishments.”

Created in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America have more than 4.5 million participants throughout the nation, with more than 379,000 members in Florida alone. Its purpose is to provide a program that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for boys and young adults. The Girl Scouts, founded in 1912, have 3.7 million members throughout the United States – and more than 108,000 in Florida – and is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated to helping girls build character and skills for success in the real world, such as leadership, strong values and social conscience.

“The knowledge and experience Girl Scouts will gain as they work to receive this award will help them develop a better understanding of conservation and community involvement,” said Raslean Allen, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Apalachee Bend Inc. “The Serve to Preserve program supports our mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.”

Serve to Preserve, in cooperation with the Governor's Volunteer Florida Foundation and Commission, will create partnership s with environmental groups to assist in engaging volunteers in environmental conservation, restoration and protection projects throughout the state. The program will catalogue environmental needs throughout Florida that can be addressed through volunteerism and will promote environmental action.

For more information, visit www.myfloridaclimate.com  or www.myflorida.com.

TALLAHASSEE – The Department (DEP) recently completed its statewide, comprehensive on-line tool for identifying suitable sand sources from Florida’s coastal waters, making this database the first of its kind in the nation. The database includes comprehensive information about offshore sediment and geological features and is to support the design and construction of beach restoration and nourishment projects.

“With this new database, both the state and local beach managers will be better equipped to evaluate and protect our precious coastal resources,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “DEP continues to look for innovative tools and technologies to enhance our abilities and protect Florida’s environment.”

Named the Reconnaissance Offshore Sand Search, or “ROSS,” the database is publicly available on the internet. ROSS is a comprehensive tool for coastal engineers, project managers, and regulators as they design and construct beach restoration and nourishment projects, that encourages better sand management practices. The database will help reduce the costs of locating sufficient quantities of quality sand, and assists DEP in regional sand management for the protection of Florida’s coastal communities and habitats.

“State, federal and local governments invest millions of dollars annually to restore and maintain critically eroded beaches along Florida’s coastline,” said Mike Barnett, a licensed professional engineer and Bureau Chief of DEP’s Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems. “Having an up-to-date tracking system of available offshore sand sources statewide will help beach restoration and nourishment projects move forward more quickly.”

Florida’s beach and dune system acts as the first line of defense during hurricane season. Beach restoration and nourishment can prepare the coastline to better withstand the forces of hurricanes while providing recreational and economic benefits. To date, more than 190 miles of beach have been restored and maintained through the State program.

For more information on DEP’s Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems, and to view the sand inventory database, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/beaches.

ORLANDO – The Department welcomed the Orlando Marriott Downtown to the Florida Green Lodging Program on Thursday. The Orlando Marriott is the 91st hotel in the state to become a designated property. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

“DEP is proud to add the Orlando Marriott Downtown to the growing number of properties making the commitment to protect Florida’s resources,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “Orlando Marriott Downtown is not only serving as an industry leader, but an example to other hotels in the area.”

To be a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must follow certain green practices. These practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures and a linen reuse program, and energy efficiency achieved by installing ENERGY STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated properties must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units frequently.

“We are proud to be a part of the Green Lodging program and join in the effort to protecting Florida’s resources,” said Philip Goldfarb, President and Chief Operating Officer of Turnberry Associates, Marriott’s management and development company based in Aventura, Florida. “The ownership, staff and guests of the Orlando Marriott Downtown are excited to have a role in protecting, restoring and conserving the environment.”

On July 13, 2007, at his Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, Governor Crist signed three executive orders initiating state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at hotels with Florida Green Lodging Program designation starting January 1, 2008, whenever possible. The Summit was a bold first step to explore groundbreaking technologies and strategies that will place our state at the forefront of the growing world-wide movement to reduce greenhouse gases.

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As reward for designation, the state is recommending designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition of the Orlando Marriott Downtown, the program has designated 100 hotels and has more than 270 applicants.

For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.