It has taken less than a month after Mayor Richard T. Crotty's Climate Change Summit to see changes happening.  Today, Mayor Crotty formalized a "Green Futures Partnership Pledge" with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Lonnie Bell, President of the Orlando Utilities Commission at the Florida Renewable Energy Exposition.  This partnership is a step toward achieving one of the eight goals of Orange County's Climate Change Plan.  The goal focuses on formalizing partnership agreements and this "Green Futures Partnership Pledge" between the three entities, will establish initiatives to protect our air, water and land resources.  In addition, the leadership role of all three parties will serve to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability.  Orange County is committed to maintain a sustainable life for this generation and future generations.  This collaboration is a major step to ensure lasting solutions for our community.

Mayor Crotty also recently visited Orlando Rock, a multi-million dollar site development company to help them kick-off their new bio-diesel program. Orlando Rock was concerned about climate change and was inspired by Mayor Crotty's Climate Change Summit.  Scott Altman, President and CEO of Orlando Rock recently made the commitment to switch from diesel fuel to soy-based biodiesel for all of its heavy equipment operations.  Orlando Rock uses approximately 160,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year in its construction equipment.  By using biodiesel, Orlando Rock will not only reduce air pollution but also their dependence of fossil fuel.  The company already uses recycled concrete base in its operations.

The Florida Renewable Energy Exposition is being held in downtown Orlando at the Embassy Suites on Friday, October 12th and at Lake Eola Park on Saturday, October 13th.  The Florida Renewable Energy Expo is a non-profit event created by the Florida Renewable Energy Association (FREA), which is dedicated to providing attendees with valuable solutions for addressing the impacts of our energy choices and lifestyles on the environment. Orange County is proud to be a platinum sponsor of this event.   For more information about the Florida Renewable Energy Expo, visit the website at http://www.floridareexpo.org/index2.html. 

The affects of climate changes have been observed around the world and it is everyone's responsibility to protect our precious environment.  Orange County has committed to become a leader in the reduction of greenhouse gases, energy efficiency and environmental protection.    

For more information about Orange County's Climate Change Plan, please contact the Orange County Environmental Protection Division at (407) 836-1400.