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Welcome to the latest edition of the Clean Air Northeast Florida newsletter! We’re thrilled to share the latest updates on our work under the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program and celebrate key milestones and regional achievements in sustainability and resilience. From exciting events and community programs to groundbreaking collaborations and initiatives, this newsletter highlights the strides we’re making together toward a cleaner, healthier future for Northeast Florida.
Our team remains committed to fostering regional collaboration, empowering communities, and implementing innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change. As we celebrate recent successes, including the Climate Action Plan Kickoff launch and recognition from the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, we also look forward to upcoming opportunities for you to engage and contribute to this important work.
Thank you for being a vital part of this journey. Together, we’re shaping our region’s more resilient and sustainable future. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Sincerely,
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Ashantae Green
Sustainability Manager
City of Jacksonville
greena@coj.net
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Join us on Friday, December 6th at 1pm via Zoom for the Clean Air Northeast Florida Forum as North Florida Green Chamber Board Chair and Evolution University Founder, Joni Roberts presents Climate Action Planning For Today and the Future. This engaging session will explore strategies for addressing current climate challenges while preparing for a sustainable future. Additionally, we will have an open forum session, inviting community members to share their ideas, insights, and experiences related to GHG reduction and sustainability. This is an excellent opportunity to collaborate, celebrate our achievements, and plan for future successes. Your participation is crucial to advancing our goals for a cleaner, healthier environment in Northeast Florida. | | |
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ADAPT: Regional Resilience in Action Highlights Northeast Florida’s Climate Efforts
On October 29, 2024, ADAPT, part of Jacksonville Today, partnered with the City of Jacksonville’s Environmental Protection Board to host *Regional Resilience in Action*, a panel discussion on preparing Northeast Florida for climate change impacts. Moderated by Jessica Palombo, Editor of *Jacksonville Today*, the event featured local leaders, including Beth Payne of the Northeast Florida Regional Council, Jessica Beach of St. Augustine, and Anne Coglianese and Ashantae Green of Jacksonville, who shared updates on resilience efforts addressing flooding, heat, and storms. The panel highlighted regional collaboration, sustainability in governance, and citizen empowerment, emphasizing the critical role of partnerships in creating a resilient and sustainable future for the region.
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JTA Expands Sustainable Ferry Service
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has secured a $15.6 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to expand the St. Johns River Ferry service with a new hybrid-electric ferry, enhancing service reliability and reducing emissions. Connecting Mayport Village and Ft. George Island, the ferry is a vital link for commuters and visitors, carrying over 391,000 passengers in FY2024 despite disruptions. JTA CEO Nat Ford highlighted the ferry’s iconic role in Northeast Florida, while Mayor Donna Deegan praised its impact on sustainability, connectivity, and economic growth. Since taking over operations in 2016, JTA has secured over $35 million in grants, driving $55 million in upgrades to ensure the ferry remains a reliable and environmentally friendly transportation option for the region.
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Jacksonville Earns National Recognition for Resilience Planning
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Jacksonville has received the 2024 National Planning Award for Resilience and Sustainability from the American Planning Association (APA) for its groundbreaking Resilient Jacksonville strategy. This 50-year plan addresses climate risks like flooding, extreme heat, and severe weather while enhancing the city’s resilience to immediate and long-term challenges. Since its launch in October 2023, 38 of the plan’s 45 actions have been implemented, including a state-of-the-art compound flood model and the city’s first Urban Forestry Management Plan to expand tree canopy coverage and mitigate heat impacts. Praised for its science-based, collaborative approach, the strategy incorporates data-driven decision-making, land development updates, and community input, positioning Jacksonville as a national leader in resilience planning and fostering a safer, more adaptable future. | | |
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Celebrating the Success of the 2024 Tree Canopy Enhancement Program
The City of St. Augustine successfully concluded its third annual Tree Canopy Enhancement Program, providing free trees to eligible homeowners and advancing urban greenery and sustainability. From June to August, residents applied for trees like Live Oak, Red Cedar, and East Palatka Holly, which were planted from December to February after careful site assessments by city staff. The program’s success highlights the community’s commitment to expanding the tree canopy, beautifying neighborhoods, and fostering environmental benefits like cleaner air and cooler streets. The City thanks participants and staff for their dedication and looks forward to cultivating a greener, healthier St. Augustine in the years ahead.
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UNF is proud to unveil new Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree
The University of North Florida (UNF) is launching a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, an interdisciplinary program integrating expertise from all six UNF colleges to tackle regional environmental challenges. Set to open for admission in spring 2025, the degree emphasizes face-to-face instruction and community-based learning in Northeast Florida. With concentrations in Environmental Natural Sciences and Environmental Principles and Practice, the program combines field and lab work with studies on political, social, and economic aspects of environmental leadership. Developed by the Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE), the program aligns with its 20-year mission to foster interdisciplinary education and meet the growing demand for environmental expertise in the region.
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Clean Air Northeast Florida Climate Action Plan Kickoff Launches Collaborative Efforts | |
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The Clean Air Northeast Florida Climate Action Plan (CCAP) Kickoff event on August 29, 2024, was a resounding success, drawing over 100 attendees, including EPA staff, regional leaders, and community stakeholders. Held at the Jacksonville Main Library Auditorium, the event began an ambitious effort to develop the region’s 2050 Comprehensive Climate Action Plan. Attendees participated in breakout sessions across sectors such as energy, transportation, buildings, and natural lands, sharing ideas and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering regional resilience.
Since the kickoff, monthly virtual roundtables have facilitated sector-specific discussions that build on the event’s momentum. These meetings have fostered collaboration across Northeast Florida counties and municipalities, bringing together voices from Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, and beyond. Participants have worked to identify innovative reduction strategies, assess workforce development needs, and explore grant opportunities to drive meaningful climate action.
The kickoff event and ongoing roundtables reflect the region’s dedication to creating an inclusive, data-driven climate action plan that addresses local challenges while fostering economic growth and sustainability. Clean Air Northeast Florida extends its gratitude to all attendees for their contributions and looks forward to continuing this collaborative effort to build a cleaner, healthier future for Northeast Florida.
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Watch the City of Jacksonville’s Mayor Deegan’s Call to Action
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CLEAN AIR NORTHEAST FLORIDA'S ACHIEVEMENTS | |
Clean Air Northeast Florida Honored with JEPB Environmental Achievement Award
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Clean Air Northeast Florida has received the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board’s Environmental Achievement Award in the Government/Institutional category, recognizing its exceptional efforts in advancing sustainability and climate resilience across the Jacksonville Metropolitan Statistical Area. In just one year, the organization has completed the region’s first greenhouse gas inventory and is developing Northeast Florida’s inaugural Climate Action Plan, a collaborative strategy involving Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, and Clay counties, along with support from cities like Palm Coast and St. Augustine. This award celebrates the innovation and regional cooperation essential to building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for Northeast Florida. | |
Clean Air Northeast Florida Presents at Greenbuild International Conference
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Clean Air Northeast Florida showcased the region’s climate resilience and environmental justice efforts at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo. Led by Jacksonville Sustainability Manager Ashantae Green, the presentation detailed Northeast Florida’s vulnerabilities, including 97 extreme heat advisory days in 2023 and compounded flooding along the St. Johns River, while addressing the disproportionate risks faced by 91 underinvested communities. Highlighting progress under the EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, the team shared advancements in developing the region’s first Climate Action Plan, fostering collaboration among counties and cities, closing emissions data gaps, and empowering underserved areas. Success stories, such as Jacksonville’s ongoing LEED certification efforts and Atlantic Beach’s global recognition for LEED v4.1 Gold recertification, underscored the region’s leadership in sustainable governance and development. Clean Air Northeast Florida’s participation reinforced its commitment to driving inclusive, innovative solutions for a resilient, greener future. | | | | |
