Crist Talks Climate Change in Senate Speech

By STEPHEN MAJORS
The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Charlie Crist became the first Florida governor to talk extensively about global climate change in a State of the State address, telling lawmakers Tuesday it is "one of the most important issues we will face this century."

Crist said he would form a special summit of experts after the legislative session to study how Florida can respond to "this monumental challenge," earning a standing ovation from many lawmakers. He also greatly expanded the call to make climate change and alternative energy a priority, asking the Legislature for $68 million in funding incentives for ethanol and biodiesel projects.

Crist said the state is particularly vulnerable to sea level rises and violent weather patterns.

"Yet, we have done little to understand and address the root causes of this problem, or frankly, even acknowledge that the problem exists," he said. "No longer."

Previous Florida governors have spoken only of the business climate, not the environmental concerns now on the agendas of some former skeptics. Former-Gov. Jeb Bush last year spoke of the need to develop alternative sources of energy, but did not speak about climate change.

But a recent global scientific report saying humans were "very likely" causing global warming, recent fluctuations in gasoline and natural gas prices, and national security concerns have come together to create momentum for energy and climate measures that had failed to gain traction in Florida.

Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis, isn't convinced that humans are causing global warming. But he still supports alternative fuels to help wean the country off its dependence on foreign oil, much of which comes from countries that are unstable or are hostile to the United States.

"I don't hate oil, but I don't like the idea that we have to get our oil from countries that hate us," Baker said. "I just personally wouldn't project it under the global warming banner."

Experts, along with state Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson, have said Florida has the potential to lead the nation in the production of alternative fuels such as ethanol by using citrus and yard waste, for example.

"There is no reason why … the Sunshine state cannot be the national leader in the production of alternative energy," Crist said.

Legislative leaders have also spoken extensively about energy proposals. The chairmen of House and Senate committees that deal with energy have said they are looking at proposals to increase the production of alternative fuels, provide more incentives for solar and wind power, and possibly institute laws to limit carbon dioxide emissions - which scientists say are one of the major causes of global warming.

However, energy and climate concerns will have to compete with other budget priorities in a year where revenue from taxation has decreased faster than lawmakers expected, giving them less money to spend in the upcoming budget.

"There's some budget impact anytime you switch gears, and right now our budget is coming in real lean and real mean," said Rep. Bob Allen, R-Merritt Island, chairman of the House Committee on Energy.

Allen said the Legislature won't be able to do everything it wants on climate change and energy this session, and will have to let some changes wait until next year.