Florida Climate Change Summit Sets Path To Fight Global Warming

Earthjustice pivotal in stopping coal-fired power plants that would add climate change pollution

Contacts

John McManus, Earthjustice, (510) 550-6700
David Guest, Earthjustice, (850) 681-0031

Florida Governor Charlie Crist (R) has led an international summit of policy makers, academics, scientists, environmentalists and business representatives on the ways to combat global climate change for Florida, the country’s fourth most populous state. Today, Earthjustice executive director Vawter “Buck” Parker, along with Governor Crist, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), Robert Kennedy and other policy leaders are participating in a leadership roundtable to discuss future legislation and agency standards for Florida.


The following is a statement from Buck Parker on the importance of the summit and combating global warming:


“Global warming is a challenge for all of us, with far reaching consequences that could mean more droughts, deadlier hurricanes and rising sea levels. We can no longer ignore this threat and must act immediately to reduce our dependence on dirty fossil fuels that contribute to climate change.


“Earlier this summer, Earthjustice played a pivotal role in stopping the nation’s largest coal-fired power plant from being built right here in Florida. The state public service commission denied a request for approval by Florida Power and Light, effectively ending the company’s hope to deepen Florida’s dependence on dirty fossil fuels.


“This victory sent a strong message to Wall Street investors that financing new coal plants is a risky investment. Governor Crist is expected today to sign an executive order putting the state on a path to reducing global warming 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, joining other governors and mayors who are showing leadership by taking the necessary steps to begin fighting global warming.


“But these are only the first steps, and much more needs to be done. Our country needs leadership on a federal level, including an energy plan that reduces our carbon dioxide pollution, encourages developing clean, renewable energy sources, and conservation incentives.”

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Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.