The February 16 Climate Change Task Force (CCTF) featured a discussion on Broward’s Go SOLAR Initiative to streamlining the permitting process to jump-start the expansion of rooftop solar energy in Broward County. A State Legislative update and the status of the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact were given noting the release of the draft Regional Climate Change Action Plan.  An overview of Broward County’s Energy Sense Appliance Rebate Program revealed that $230,000 rebate dollars have been distributed to 1,142 households. The Task Force was also provided with an update on the proposed Climate Change Element for the County’s Comprehensive Plan in anticipation of the stakeholder meeting to be held in the Commission Chambers at 10:00 am. on March 21. Captain Dan Kipnis of The Climate Project  was the final presenter on  Global Warming – Changing Oceans. Click here for meeting minutes and presentations.  The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for May 17. 

The Third Annual Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit, held on December 8 -9 in Key Largo, was attended by over 250 participants  The highlight of the Regional Summit was the unveiling of the Regional Climate Action Plan.  Comments on the Plan will be accepted through March 16th, 2012.  The Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact is a joint commitment of Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach Counties to partner in mitigating the causes and adapting to the consequences of climate change. 

Compact Counties celebrated a 2^nd Annual Climate Leadership Summit in October 2010 and have since completed several key work products including a regional greenhouse gas emissions inventory and a preliminary assessment of areas at risk to increased flooding with rising sea level. Concurrent efforts include development of regional climate mitigation and adaptation measures in the areas of land use, regional transportation, and the built environment.  Partner agencies to the Compact include the South Florida Water Management District, the University of Oregon’s Climate Leadership Initiative, Florida Atlantic University’s Climate and Energy Program, and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. Federal agencies have also played a supporting role, including the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The 3^rd Annual Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit is scheduled for December 2011 in Monroe County with efforts underway to finalize the Regional Climate Change Action Plan by early 2012.