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Thursday, April 24, 2008

Governor Crist Announces 2008 Climate Change Summit
~ Investing in Florida’s green technology to be focus ~

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today announced the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change. The conference will be held June 25-26, 2008, at the Intercontinental Miami. Building on the foundation for Florida’s energy future began at last year’s summit, the 2008 summit will focus on stimulating economic development in clean technologies as well as “greening” Florida’s business community.

“Florida’s businesses continue to demonstrate that there is gold in green, and climate-friendly energy sources – like ethanol and solar energy – are bringing new prospects for our state,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “Encouraging companies to do business the green way as well as building a strong market in renewable energy technologies in the Sunshine State will strengthen our energy and economic future and protect our natural environment for generations to come.”

Building on the policy framework of the executive orders signed at the 2007 summit, this year’s summit focuses on developing Florida’s renewable and alternative energy industries. By encouraging companies to invest in our state’s energy future, Floridawill transform its energy marketplace to enhance fuel diversity, lessen dependence on foreign sources of oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 2008 summit will bring together industry leaders, policy makers, academics, scientists, environmentalists and the business community to explore opportunities for expanding Florida’s renewable and alternative energy marketplace and greening our business community.

Since last year’s summit, Florida’s “green” economy has grown significantly. Progress Energy along with Biomass Gas & Electric of Atlanta recently announced a partnership to build in North Florida the largest waste-wood biomass plant in the nation, converting waste wood to electricity. FPL Group, one of the largest utilities in the country, has a number of solar and wind energy projects across Florida, including a $2.4 billion investment in a 300 megawatt solar facility. Also, during the Governor’s trade mission to Brazil last year, a $183 million agreement was signed between Renewable Fuels of Tallahassee LLC and Controlsud International Group to build a system that converts trash into energy in Tallahassee. Additionally, other companies are expanding conservation efforts and investing in upgrades at existing facilities to increase energy efficiency and save money while stimulating our economy. Finally, in November, Florida was home to the first carbon-neutral college football game between Florida State University and the University of Florida in Gainesville.

On July 13, 2007, Governor Charlie Crist signed a suite of executive orders to reduce Florida’s greenhouse gases emissions, increase energy efficiency, and remove market barriers for renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind energy. Since the executive orders were signed, Florida has stepped onto the world stage as a major marketplace for advanced energy technologies. In addition, the Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change Phase II Report, due October 1, 2008, will provide additional recommendations for strategic investments and public- private partnerships to spur climate-friendly economic development opportunities.

For more information on the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, or to register for the conference, visit www.myfloridaclimate.com or For more information on the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, or to register for the conference, visit or www.myflorida.com.

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