Serve to Preserve

2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change

June 25-26, 2008

Miami InterContinental Hotel

The second Annual Serve to Preserve Summit on Global Climate Change was a great success! From the first event – even before – to the closing ceremonies, Florida continued its leadership role in promoting alternative fuels and protecting our natural environment.

On Tuesday, June 24, I was pleased to announce a plan to negotiate the purchase of 187,000 acres of land from the United States Sugar Corporation that will link Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades and enhance restoration efforts. Later that evening, the Florida Marlins hosted the Tampa Bay Rays at Dolphin Stadium in Florida’s first-ever carbon neutral professional baseball game.

At the opening breakfast on June 25, I was proud to sign House Bill 7135, which puts Florida at the front of the national effort to reduce dependence on foreign oil and move toward domestic energy production. Many of the steps announced at last year’s Summit by Executive Order are now part of Florida law. Joining us for the signing were bill sponsors Senator Burt Saunders, Representative Stan Mayfield and several members of the Florida Legislature.

This year’s Summit focused not only on the need to pursue alternative fuels for environmental reasons, but also for the economic benefits brought about by the infusion of green technologies. Panels and keynote speakers emphasized the need to lead this important effort.

We were again honored to have California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger join us for a keynote luncheon speech on June 26 and to receive the first-ever Serve to Preserve Leadership Award for his boldness on global climate change. At the closing ceremony, I was pleased to sign a new public-private partnership making Florida among the first states to join the Alliance for Sustainable Air Transportation that places a premium on energy conservation and air travel safety.

Thank you to all who participated and attended the Summit.