Governor Crist Welcomes California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as Keynote Speaker at 2008 Serve to Preserve Summit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 26, 2008

CONTACT

Governor’s Press Office, (850) 488-5394

Governor Crist Welcomes California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as Keynote Speaker at 2008 Serve to Preserve Summit

~Governor Schwarzenegger and other business and international leaders talk about climate change initiatives, benefits of investing in “green” technologies~

MIAMI –Governor Charlie Crist today welcomed California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as Thursday’s keynote speaker at the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change in Miami. Governor Crist this morning also participated in a Business Roundtable and International Leadership Roundtable, representing leading countries around the world.

“I thank Governor Schwarzenegger as well as the other businesses and international leaders that have joined us at the 2008 Serve to Preserve Summit,” said Governor Crist. “Learning from the successes as well as challenges that our partners have faced will help Florida become a leader in green business and innovative energy technologies. We can propel Florida as an international leader by building on the foundation for our energy future already in place, and using the knowledge gained this week to continue our path to reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy technologies.”

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger addressed more than 700 attendees during lunch at the second day of the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change. Governor Schwarzenegger spoke of the leadership roles both California and Florida have played in addressing global climate change, increasing energy efficiencies and continuing the development of renewable and alternative energy technologies.

Governor Crist presented Governor Schwarzenegger with the inaugural Serve to Preserve Leadership Award, in recognition for his efforts to address global climate change. Governor Crist praised Governor Schwarzenegger for leading California’s effort to establish the world's first Low Carbon Fuel Standard for transportation fuels and for signing landmark bipartisan legislation to reduce California’s greenhouse gas emissions. Governor Crist also applauded the California Governor for moving forward requirements for increased renewable energy.

“California and Florida are bi-coastal leaders in fighting global warming, which is why this Summit is so important,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “As two of the largest states in the nation, it is critical that we join forces to cut greenhouse gas emissions and increase renewable energy. Our nation needs to follow California’s road map to a new energy policy – one that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizes greater innovation in new technologies and gives consumers fuel choices.”

This morning, Governor Crist and Lt. Governor Kottkamp joined Dr. Dale A. Brill, Director of the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development as well as a host of business leaders to talk about going “green” in the business world. The Governor and business community discussed incentives as well as challenges to upgrading business practices and investing in alternative and renewable energy technologies. With a commitment to making Florida a leader in “green” industry technologies, Governor Crist listened to ideas and opportunities to encourage companies to take part in “green” businesses and projects in the Sunshine State.

Following the Business Roundtable, Governor Crist joined international representatives to talk about international policies, practices and partnerships that can help nations reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage investment in alternative and renewable energy technologies. The Governor joined Dr. Hermann Scheer, Member of Parliament for the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as the Consul General for the United Kingdom, Israel, Spain, France and Japan to discuss actions taken around the world as well as opportunities to form global partnerships to protect natural resources and stimulate the worldwide economy through “green” technologies.

Today’s activities and discussions are part of the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate, June 25-26, 2008, at the Intercontinental Miami. Building on the foundation for Florida’s energy future that 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.

The 2008 summit brings together industry leaders, international 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. By encouraging companies to invest in our state’s energy future, Florida will transform its energy marketplace to enhance fuel diversity, lessen dependence on foreign sources of oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This year’s summit furthers the policy framework established during the 2007 summit. On July 13, 2007, Governor Charlie Crist signed a suite of executive orders to reduce Florida’s greenhouse gas 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.

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

###