Florida Ranks No. 2 For Pollutant Tied To Warming, Report Says
Tampa Tribune
TALLAHASSEE - A report issued Thursday puts Florida second nationwide for increases in a major pollutant linked to global warming.
From 1990 through 2004, Florida's carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel consumption grew 37 percent, from 186.9 million metric tons to 255.4 million metric tons.
The report, issued by Environment Florida, suggests major reductions could be achieved here using existing technology.
In one sense, Florida politicians are taking notice. Two bills addressing global warming and clean energy sailed through committees Thursday.
One, from Sen. Michael Bennett, would provide $55 million in grants for renewable energy research and also increase existing biodiesel tax credits.
"We've worked with the governor's office on a regular basis. They're much in favor of the bill," said Bennett, R-Bradenton.
The corporate tax credit for biodiesel would go from $6.5 million to $13 million, and wholesale distributors also would have to offer the clean fuel to marinas.
Environmental groups praised the bill, but with some cautions.
"We have serious concerns about some of the provisions" in Bennett's bill, said Holly Binns, field director for Environment Florida. She mentioned sections that allow nuclear and certain types of coal-fired plants to qualify as clean energy.
A bill from Sen. Burt Saunders, R-Naples, provides $500,000 to create the Florida Climate Action Partnership. It would be a high-level group formed around the governor to direct the discussion on how climate change may have an effect on the state.
The 25-member group would include the Senate president and House speaker, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson.
Saunders said "it's about time" for Florida to take a leading role in looking at climate change issues. His bill, like Bennett's, passed a committee by unanimous vote Thursday.
"The good news is we have two senators who are extremely committed to putting Florida on a path for cleaner energy," Binns said.
The Environment Florida report also found that vehicle miles traveled in Florida increased by 79 percent from 1990 through 2004, and cars and SUVs became less efficient. The state ranked second nationwide for the largest increase in carbon dioxide emissions from transportation.
WHAT'S NEXT
Senate Bill 2446 passed the Communications and Public Utilities committee by unanimous vote Thursday. It still faces a hearing in the General Government Appropriations Committee. Senate Bill 996 passed the Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee by unanimous vote Thursday. It still faces hearings in Finance and Tax and General Government Appropriations.
Sponsors
S.B. 2446: Sen. Burt Saunders, R-Naples; saunders.burt.web@flsenate.gov, (850) 487-5124
S.B. 996: Sen. Michael Bennett, R-Bradenton; bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov, (850) 487-5078
Track Bills
Reporter Kevin Begos can be reached at (850) 222-8382.