Environmental Defense Named to Serve on Florida Action Team on Energy and Climate Change

Contact:
Ron Sachs (850) 222-1996
Jerry Karnas (941) 587-1803

(Tallahassee – August 13, 2007) Environmental Defense’s Florida Climate Project Director Jerry Karnas today was tapped by Florida Governor Charlie Crist to serve on the Governor’s Florida Action Team on Energy and Climate.

 “I think the Governor wants to capitalize on Environmental Defense’s experience in effectively working with the business community to make real progress on global climate change.  That’s the way he wants this to operate – bringing all the interests in Florida together to find common sense solutions. I am honored to be asked to participate in this crucial process,” said Karnas.

 On July 13, 2007, the Governor signed an Executive Order establishing the Florida Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change.  That Executive Order charges the Team with developing an action plan to “fully achieve or surpass” the objectives laid out by the Governor in other July 13 Executive Orders on climate change.  Today’s appointments are the first to be made to the Team.

 “What we are about to undertake has the potential to impact the future not only for Florida, but also in the Southeast, nationally, and worldwide.  Florida has the unique opportunity to craft solutions to global climate change that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating jobs, making our country more secure and keeping energy dollars closer to home. I look forward with the business community, Senate President Ken Pruitt and House Speaker Marco Rubio as well as colleagues in the environmental community as we embark on shaping climate change policies for Florida,” said Karnas.

Karnas, a native Floridian, is based in Sarasota.