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Q&A: Crist's emissions plan would have effect on utilities

By the Times staff
Published July 11, 2007

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What is Gov. Charlie Crist proposing?
Crist wants to impose a cap on greenhouse gas emissions as a way to combat global warming and a rising sea level. He is considering a wide array of proposals that would require sweeping changes in government and the utilities and construction industries.

What industry would be affected the most?
The state's utilities. Crist wants to impose new rules that would require them to cut their carbon emissions to 2000 levels in 10 years, and prod them to get at least 20 percent of their power from renewable energy sources.

Would his list of alternative energy sources include nuclear plants?
Yes. "I think wind and solar and nuclear can be very useful in producing energy we can rely upon, that's clean and that's good for Florida," Crist said.

What is a cap-and-trade system?
Basically, companies that can't meet emissions targets can buy credits from those that reduce emissions. Among the outstanding questions: How will emissions credits be distributed? Whom will Florida trade emissions credits with?

Are other states doing this?
Six western states and British Columbia formed a regional alliance, and 10 northeast states have joined a regional cap-and-trade system.

FAST FACTS: Draft proposals in Gov. Charlie Crist's global warming plan include:

• Requiring power plants to cut their carbon emissions to 2000 levels over the next 10 years, and even bigger cuts by 2025.
• Rewriting the state's building code to increase the energy efficiency of new construction by 15 percent, including new requirements for appliances.
• Requesting the Public Service Commission require utilities to get at least 20 percent of their power from sources such as solar and wind.
• Requiring state agencies to hold conferences at only those hotels certified as energy efficient, lease space only in energy-efficient buildings and buy only the most fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Creating a Governor's Action Team on Energy and Climate Change, with members appointed by Crist, to develop a plan by Nov. 1 that would recommend legislation for reducing emissions from cars and trucks and increasing the supply of alternative fuels.

 

[Last modified July 10, 2007, 23:36:33]