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Commissioner Kristen Jacobs
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DATE: September 17, 2008
FROM: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
PHONE: 954-357-8053
Broward County has long been at the forefront of environmental issues locally and nationally, leading the state and country in implementing innovative and award-winning environmental programs.
To tackle the environmental challenges of the future, Broward County has created a Climate Change Task Force and named Commissioner Kristin Jacobs as Chair of the 25-member panel.
"This task force will create and implement a long-range countywide program to mitigate the causes and plan for the consequences of global warming and climate change," said Commissioner Jacobs. "Broward County has set high standards and this panel will be challenged to find ways to ensure that we meet our environmental goals." The Climate Change Task Force will be appointed by the County Commission and supported by County staff.
The goals of the climate change program are to:
• develop and implement projects and incentives for residents, businesses, and organizations to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases (GHG);
• develop and implement adaptation strategies to alleviate the likely adverse consequences of climate change;
• provide education and outreach to encourage Broward County residents, businesses and organizations to participate in the program; and
• pursue federal and state grants, energy cost savings, and other financial resources to off-set program costs.
The Broward County Climate Change Task Force was recommended as part of the County's Climate Change Report approved in June 2008. This report was the product of an inter-agency work group that reviewed potential climate change impacts in Broward County, recommended greenhouse gas emission reduction goals for Broward County government operations, identified actions currently being taken to reduce emissions and made recommendations for future actions. The report recommends reducing GHG emissions from County operations to seven percent below 1997 levels. The established target date to meet this goal is 2015.
Broward County Environmental Accomplishments:
• Since 1997, Broward County has taken many voluntary greenhouse gas reduction actions that resulted in 62,491 tons of greenhouse gas emissions reductions. This reduction is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 11,450 cars.
• Since 1988, Broward County has had an alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle program. At one time, one of the largest alternative fuel vehicle fleets in the nation.
• Beginning in Fiscal Year 2007, Fleet Services Division began purchasing and dispensing biodiesel at numerous locations. To date, 173,330 gallons of biodiesel has been introduced.
• In 2006, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) introduced five biodiesel powered hybrid electric shuttle buses. FLL is the first Florida airport to have a shuttle service that is fully powered by biodiesel fuel.
• As of 2008, Broward County Transit operates 12 biodiesel buses.
Innovative Conservation Programs:
• NatureScape Broward: Promotes Florida-friendly landscapes that conserve water, protect water quality, and create wildlife habitats. Currently, 75 percent of Broward County facilities are NatureScape certified. In 2005, Broward County was the first County in the country to be certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Community Wildlife Habitat.
• Community Outreach Programs: Water Matters and Know the Flow programs provide education in landscape best management practices and integrated storm water management to reduce water demands and pollution associated with resource-intensive landscapes.
• Emerald Awards: Recognizes businesses, government, individuals, or organizations in Broward County demonstrating a commitment to protecting and preserving our environment.
Waste to Energy:
• In 1991, two state-of-the-art plants opened with a goal to generate waste to energy in Broward County.
• Annually, the plants generate enough electricity to service about 75,000 households in our community at an energy savings of 2.8 million barrels of oil.
Green Buildings:
• Member of the U.S. Green Building Council since September 2002.
• One Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building in Broward County.
• Resolution under consideration to make all new construction LEED certified; nine employees are LEED accredited professionals.
"Broward County has always been committed to achieving environmental excellence. As the environment changes we must continue to find and implement innovative programs in order to protect and preserve our environment," Commissioner Jacobs said.
Commissioner Jacobs has served as a Broward County Commissioner for nearly 10 years and is a featured speaker on water and environmental issues throughout the state and the nation. She is a member of the South Florida Water Management District's Water Resource Advisory Commission as well as a member of the National Association of Counties' Energy, Environment, and Land Use Committee.
For information on Broward County's environmental programs please visit www.broward.org/environment.
For more information on Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs please visit www.broward.org/jacobs.
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