80 ELECTED OFFICIALS IN “GROUND ZERO” FLORIDA URGE ACTION ON CLIMATE, ALSO OPPOSE EPA CUTS AND OFFSHORE DRILLING
Signers include: Mayors Philip Levine (Miami Beach), Buddy Dyer (Orlando), Bob Buckhorn (Tampa), U.S. Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehitinen & Carlos Curbelo.
TALLAHASSEE, FL//August 24, 2017/ A total of 80 city, county, and federal elected officials in Florida so far have signed a letter coordinated by the CLEO Institute calling for action on climate change, supporting renewable energy, and opposing EPA cuts and offshore drilling.
The joint letter states: “Over 60 percent of Floridians support the Paris Accord, yet our state has done little to improve the health of our environment. With sea level rise threatening our fresh water supply, wastewater treatment, and coastal infrastructure, climate-conscious voters are taking notice of where our elected officials stand in regards to climate action.”
The statement applauds the signers for supporting the Paris Accord, actively supporting efforts to limit oil exploration, reduce use of oil, coal and gas, and supporting the growth of clean energy sources and technology.
Florida is widely recognized as ground zero for climate change impacts like sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, flooding and extreme weather events which threaten the health of the state and the tourism economy upon which so many Floridians depend. Florida’s beaches are also now at risk as the Trump administration moves to open the Atlantic ocean to oil drilling.
“This letter sends a clear message that Florida’s leaders are ready to fight climate change despite what the Trump administration threatens,” said Caroline Lewis, executive director of The CLEO Institute. “Our leaders care about Floridians and our future and are ready to stand up and defend our wellbeing and our state whether it be against new oil exploration on our coastlines or rejecting global solutions like the Paris Agreement.”
This letter comes at a time when budget cuts threaten the future of EPA and environmental rollbacks aim to worsen climate pollution. “It’s times like these when leadership really matters,” added Lewis. “And it’s good to know that our leaders stand with us against climate change and have the backs of our children in this critical fight.”
The letter will remain open to signers through September. The full list of signers can be found here.
