The following is a periodic coastal resilience news update for our local planning and community partners along with others interested in resilience. All blue underlined text is hyperlinked to outside websites with more information.
Education Corner:
If you haven't already, check out two of the more recent SCCF Coastal Resilience Connection pieces:
On the climate front, national strides come with the recent passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. While the bill focuses on financial relief for Americans in the face of the current economy and the pressure of inflation, it also features a wealth of provisions for tackling climate change. Most of these target reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and offer funding and other economic incentives to help individuals, businesses, and other entities shrink their carbon footprint. However, there is some funding for adapting to climate change impacts in parts of the bill, including awarding the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) $3.3B for their climate work. This includes $2.6B to "assist coastal states, the District of Columbia, Tribal Governments, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education to become more prepared and resilient to changes in climate."
Read SCCF's announcement about the recent bill signing here. Stay tuned, as SCCF policy staff are working on a more in-depth analysis of the bill including what some of the state and local implications might be.
Until then, you can listen to what Florida Gulf Coast University faculty member Jennifer Jones has to say about how the bill might impact climate mitigation in Florida on this episode of WGCU's "Gulf Coast Life."
In mid-August, the Florida Department of Energy finalized renewable energy goals -mandated by past executive orders in 2007 and current Florida statute - for the State's electric utility companies. The rules up the percentage of energy that utility companies should generate from renewable sources over time, culminating in a target of 100% by 2050. However, the Public Service Commision (PSC) will ultimately be responsible for making sure these new goals are met.
Other Climate and Coastal Resilience News:
The following are news items and stories that may be of local interest:
The SWFL Climate & Community Initiative Summit will be held the afternoon of October 6, 1:30 PM, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. Tickets are $25. The summit program includes an overview of climate challenges in the region, a showcase of current SWFL resilience efforts, and tabletop discussions meant to prioritize climate solutions. Results of the tabletop discussions will be shared with local political leaders. You can read more about the event here, and register at the bottom of the page or through the direct Eventbrite registration link through October 1.
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