THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE NATURAL RESOURCES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Commission’s Vision of “A Pristine, Healthy Environment,” Goal 1: “Promote, protect and enhance the environment with collaborative partners,” and Goal 2: “Encourage and promote community stewardship and appreciation of the environment and the conservation and wise use of our natural resources.”
This item provides formal support for carbon pollution limits from existing power plants proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“US EPA”) on June 2, 2014. The goal of the EPA Clean Power Plan is to reduce emissions from existing power plants 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. The US EPA has set state-specific emissions goals based on the current emissions and power sources of each state. The goal for the State of Florida is a 40% reduction. States will have flexibility to meet individual goals through a variety of strategies, including energy conservation measures, renewable energy standards, switching from coal to natural gas generation, cooperating with other states, and other means.
The EPA Clean Power Plan and the goals identified for the State of Florida are consistent with Board policy, including the Board's adopted goal to achieve an 82% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2010 levels by 2050, a commitment to a 20% renewable energy goal for county facilities and operations, support for the Better Building energy efficiency goal of 2.5% per year for a 20% reduction in energy consumption by 2020, and recent urging of the Florida Public Service Commission to set meaningful energy-efficiency goals for the state’s electric utilities. This action is also consistent with the Board's support for the expansion of renewable energy projects on a county-wide and regional basis, including the County's leadership in the Go Solar Challenge and efforts to advance Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), initiatives which could be expanded within the State’s Plan. The County's endorsement of the EPA Clean Power Plan also supports the Broward Citizen’s Bill of Rights and the “Right to a Sustainable Environment,” including clean air and water and the stewardship of our natural resources, as approved in the 2010 Charter amendment.
The Resolution directs the County Administrator to submit comments on the proposed rule to the US EPA; urges the State of Florida to engage in constructive dialogue with stakeholders to develop the State Implementation Plan for achieving the carbon pollution reductions required by the federal rule; and provides for distribution of the Resolution to the Administrator of the US EPA, members of Congress and the Florida Legislature representing Broward County, the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Governor of Florida. The EPA Clean Power Plan provides a unique opportunity for Broward County and our regional partners to actively engage in the formulation of an energy plan for the State of Florida that maximizes economic opportunities and environmental benefits for our region and communities. |