Resolution 570-2023 RESOLUTION NO. 570 -2023
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE
2024 STATE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM AND PRINCIPLES
AND FEDERAL PRINCIPLES OF THE SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMPACT; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Southeast Florida is one of the most vulnerable areas in the country to climate
change and sea level rise; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing their shared challenges, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and
Monroe counties ("Compact counties") adopted the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change
Compact("Compact") in 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Compact includes a commitment to develop and advocate for joint state and
federal legislative policies, and accordingly, the Compact counties have annually adopted a
separate State and Federal Energy and Climate Legislative Program each year since 2011; and
WHEREAS, the Compact Counties have four separate documents: the Federal Legislative
Priorities, the more general Federal Legislative Principles, the State Legislative Priorities, and
the more general State Legislative Principles; and
WHEREAS, the Compact prepared separate "Principles" documents for both State and Federal
principles important to the Compact, reflecting long-standing positions that have remained
consistent over time, noting that the Federal Principles will likely require only minimal changes
from year to year; and
WHEREAS, the Compact also prepared separate "Priorities" documents for both State and
Federal legislative priorities, identifying a short list of top issues for advocacy during the
upcoming session of the Florida Legislature,the Legislative Priorities will be thoroughly
reviewed and updated each year in advance of the annual legislative session; and
WHEREAS, MONROE COUNTY staff recommends adopting the documents.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County
that:
1. The above recitals are hereby incorporated into this resolution as restated herein
constitute the legislative findings and intent of the Board of County Commissioners of
Monroe County, Florida.
1
2. The Board of County Commissioners hereby approves the SE FL Regional Climate
Change Compact's 2024 legislative agenda, as follows:
a) State Legislative Priorities-attached as Exhibit A
b) State Legislative Principles-attached as Exhibit B
c) Federal Legislative Priorities-attached as Exhibit C
d) Federal Legislative Principles -attached as Exhibit D
3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County
Florida,at a regular meeting of said Board held on the 8th day of November, 2023.
Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein Yes
Mayor Pro Tern James K. Scholl Yes
Commissioner Craig Cates Yes
Commissioner Michelle Lincoln Yes
Commissioner David Rice Yes
Attest: KEVIN MADOK, CLERK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
YS "f`,t,s0)- N OF MONROE COUNTY FLORIDA
j1
„'',`��� ,: �e �r�,h �,e Erb kflv
A - 4 f
. �' ';i' � �' _ By: - �_ -i. .
{ vf,1A €Depzty Clerk Mayor
;,, tee✓'Y
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency:
Monroe County Attorney's Office 10-19-2023
, •vwo.
ead,;t. h‘te , C) '''''')
2
x
FL ri i �.
wr
Ell %i i/ 1 2
IAh1I"D I % % i I//G///p %
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMPACT COUNTIES
2024 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Approved by the Conipact I eadershi ooioif oo...... 000 °1 , 2023
Concerning state legislation, regulations, and policies, the Compact Counties and other organizations
adopting this document:
SUPPORT policies, programs, and workforce development that expands renewable energy and energy
conservation opportunities, including the adoption of meaningful energy efficiency programs and goals,
and OPPOSE any changes that would eliminate or weaken existing policies or preempt local
government authority.
SUPPORT higher energy, water, and resilience standards for new and existing buildings (including but
not limited to energy conservation, renewable energy, drainage, flood elevation, wetproofing, and
seawall requirements) to prepare for and lessen the impacts of future climate conditions through
legislation, including the adoption of all provisions of the most recent energy and building codes by the
Florida Building Commission, and enhanced powers for local governments to enact local building code
amendments.
SUPPORT legislation, appropriations, and implementing authority of state agencies to leverage federal
funds to the benefit of local government for the purposes of increasing resilience and reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.
SUPPORT legislation, policies, funding, financing, rebates and incentives to expand energy efficiency.
SUPPORT the local match and coordination between the South Florida Water Management District and
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the restudy of the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control
Project.
CE° xllh li b li t
�r R
1\11"", FLORIDA
MIAMI-FADE
''%; /t%
III IIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�II�II�II�IIIIIII o%�%!%%'%
@uuu uuuV Vuuu of m u 0/
�C@�L1 gyp`
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMPACT COUNTIES
2024 STATE CLIMATE, ENERGY, AND RESILIENCE LEGISLATIVE PRINCIPLES
Approved by the Compact i eadership Coniniittss...... duns °'i , 2022
Background
Southeast Florida is one of the most vulnerable areas in the country to climate change and sea level
rise. Recognizing their shared challenges, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties
("Compact Counties") adopted the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact ("Compact")
in 2010. The Compact includes a commitment to develop and advocate for joint state and federal
legislative policies. Accordingly, the Compact counties annually adopt a State Legislative Program.
The Compact Counties and other organizations adopting this document recognize that the local
impacts of global climate change are among the greatest challenges facing southeast Florida in the
present and future. Consequently, adapting to climate impacts, mitigating additional damage by
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building community and economic resilience are among the
highest priorities for action at all levels of government.
Since 2017, the Compact Counties issue their legislative program in two documents: Legislative
Principles (this document) and Legislative Priorities (published separately).
Concerning state legislation, regulations, and policies, the Compact Counties and other organizations
adopting this document:
General Policies
OPPOSE preemption of local environmental and land use policies and regulations pertaining to energy,
climate, resilience issues, or redevelopment standards and any infringement on local home rule
authority to plan for and adapt to future climate conditions.
SUPPORT development of a statewide climate action plan which includes greenhouse gas emissions
reduction, adaptation, and resilience measures.
SUPPORT greater incorporation of adaptation and resilience strategies throughout state government
activities, including:
Requirements for state agencies, water management districts, local governments, and regulated
industries (e.g. electric utilities) to account for projected sea-level rise, coastal and inland
flooding, potential storm surge, extreme rainfall, and extreme heat in all infrastructure and
facility-siting decisions.
Closer coordination among state agencies to share data and implement solutions on climate
and extreme weather preparedness, resilience, and adaptation issues.
State funding and assistance for local governments' adaptation activities, sufficient to meet the
:°°X h li II: lit �':
Compact Counties 2024 State Climate, Energy, and Resilience Legislative Principles
state's significant resilience challenges, including: data development and technical analyses
(such as vulnerability and risk assessments); integration of goals, objectives, and policies in
Comprehensive Plans and the establishment and use of Adaptation Action Areas; design
standards for infrastructure and development in local codes; and project implementation.
Climate, energy, and resilience investments in low-income and front-line communities that
strengthen individual and community resilience.
Action to address climate-related public health challenges, including extreme heat.
Action to prepare the state's agricultural community for climate and extreme-weather
disruptions.
Action to strengthen the economic resilience of the state to climate change.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions
SUPPORT measures to aid the state and local governments to determine sources of greenhouse gas
emissions, develop reduction plans and strategies, establish targets, and accomplish reductions.
SUPPORT measures to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions through strategies
such as vehicle electrification, development of vehicle emissions standards, policies to reduce vehicle
idling, and reduction of vehicles miles traveled.
Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Electrification
SUPPORT all opportunities for renewable energy deployment and energy conservation in Florida,
including policies to create renewable energy purchasing options, such as community solar and energy
co-ops, and energy conservation incentives, and ensure the siting of solar arrays follows best practices
and minimizes environmental impact.
SUPPORT legislation, policies, funding, financing, rebates and incentives to expand energy efficiency.
OPPOSE any changes that would eliminate or weaken existing policies that support renewable energy
deployment and energy conservation in Florida.
SUPPORT solar-plus-storage installations, especially at emergency shelters and other critical facilities.
SUPPORT measures to move the state to 100% carbon-free electricity generation by 2050, and adopt
stringent utility energy conservation targets and meaningful renewable energy programs for electric
utilities.
SUPPORT requirements that investor-owned utilities offer a competitively-priced official rate for energy-
efficient street lighting and encourage coordination between utilities and local governments to convert
older, inefficient street lighting systems to more efficient ones.
SUPPORT incentives and pilot programs to assist local governments in diversifying their energy
supplies and expanding their use of renewable energy.
SUPPORT policies, programs, and funding that prevent utility disconnections of income-constrained
households.
SUPPORT legislation and policy to encourage electric utilities to maintain agricultural uses on solar
generation facilities located in agricultural zoning districts.
SUPPORT efforts to advance the electrification of buildings and transportation, and modernize the
electricity grid for safety, reliability, and carbon-free electricity generation.
Page 2
Compact Counties 2024 State Climate, Energy, and Resilience Legislative Principles
SUPPORT legislation and policies requiring utilities to collect aggregated whole-building data from a
jurisdiction's largest buildings, and provide this data to building owners, managers, and local
government representatives to aid benchmarking.
SUPPORT the adoption of the most recent building energy codes and transition to net zero energy
codes.
Transportation
SUPPORT electric vehicle adoption and the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure
commensurate with projected electric vehicle growth to serve the public, local governments, and private
sector fleets, including grants, rebates, and other financing and funding, and policies aimed at multi-
family housing and low-income residents.
SUPPORT strategic planning to ensure sufficient charging infrastructure along evacuation routes.
SUPPORT the adoption of Complete Streets policies at the state and local levels, and the
establishment of integrated local and regional networks of non-motorized transportation corridors (such
as bike lanes).
SUPPORT additional local transit connectivity to existing and proposed regional transit systems (i.e., a
"first and last mile strategy").
SUPPORT the planning and construction of transit-oriented developments.
SUPPORT programs to develop renewable, carbon-neutral sources of transportation fuel.
OPPOSE any limitations on the funding made available for transit.
SUPPORT the integration of resilience and greenhouse gas reduction principles into transportation
planning and design.
Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
OPPOSE any oil exploration and drilling in the state or off the coast of Florida, including within Florida's
territorial waters and the Everglades, including any form of extreme well stimulation, such as hydraulic
and acid fracturing, and seismic surveying.
OPPOSE oil exploration and drilling on federal lands in Florida and federal waters surrounding Florida
and in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.
OPPOSE preemption of local regulation of extreme well stimulation and oil and gas exploration and
extraction.
Resilient Infrastructure and Planning
SUPPORT incentives for communities to include strategies to increase resilience, reduce energy use,
reduce flood risk, and mitigate climate impacts in comprehensive plan elements, such as housing,
infrastructure, conservation, land use, and transportation.
SUPPORT efforts to build and retrofit utility facilities to be more resilient to flooding and storm events.
SUPPORT statutory and regulatory changes that incorporate future flood risk from climate change and
sea level rise into infrastructure planning, permitting, and investment.
Page 3
Compact Counties 2024 State Climate, Energy, and Resilience Legislative Principles
SUPPORT greater use of natural and nature-based features to protect against storm surge and adapt
to sea level rise.
SUPPORT adaptation of state and local roadways for future climate conditions.
SUPPORT the local match and coordination between the South Florida Water Management District and
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the restudy of the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control
Project.
Resilient Development and Redevelopment
SUPPORT incentives for green and resilient construction standards to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and/or mitigate insurance costs in existing and future building stock.
SUPPORT more specific performance-based green building requirements and higher resilience
standards for state, regional, and local agencies in new construction and substantial reconstruction, as
well as leased facilities owned by government.
SUPPORT higher energy, water, and resilience standards for new and existing buildings (including but
not limited to energy conservation, renewable energy, drainage, flood elevation, wetproofing, and
seawall requirements) to prepare for and lessen the impacts of future climate conditions through
legislation, Florida Building Code amendments, and enhanced powers for local governments to enact
local building code amendments.
Natural Disaster Risk Reduction, Adaptation, and Resilience
SUPPORT and maximize linkages between natural disaster risk reduction and climate change
adaptation measures, recognizing that the two areas share a common concern of future risk and
vulnerability and a common goal of resilience.
SUPPORT full funding of resilient infrastructure projects identified under the state's Resilient Florida
program and significant additional investments in resilience planning and resilient infrastructure,
including consideration of formulas to distribute state funding to local governments, water management
districts, and regional resilience entities.
SUPPORT integration of climate adaptation measures into pre-disaster mitigation projects and post-
disaster rebuilding projects funded through the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program, Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program, Flood Mitigation Program, Stafford Act, and Community Development Block Grant
Disaster Recovery Program.
SUPPORT local government participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and in the
Community Rating System (CRS), and the provision of technical and financial resources for local
governments to implement community-wide flood risk reduction that increases resilience, improves their
CRS scores, and reduces premiums for NFIP policyholders.
SUPPORT the affordability, access, coverage, and overall reform of hazard and wind-storm insurance
offered within and by the State of Florida.
SUPPORT efforts to increase resilient affordable housing stock.
Resilient Water, Coastal, and Land Resources
SUPPORT complete implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, including, but
Page 4
Compact Counties 2024 State Climate, Energy, and Resilience Legislative Principles
not limited to projects such as the Central Everglades Planning Project, Everglades Agricultural Area
reservoir, storage and treatment in the Northern Everglades, projects that protect east and west coast
estuaries, and projects that restore natural flows to Florida Bay.
SUPPORT changes to the Florida Communities Trust program to provide authority and funding for local
governments to acquire land to mitigate the effects of sea-level rise, reduce flood risk, and protect
potable water supplies.
SUPPORT use of Land Acquisition Trust Fund appropriations under the terms of the Water and Land
Conservation Amendment for regional and local priorities such as the Florida Forever land acquisition
program, the Florida Communities Trust program, and management of public conservation lands to
support nature-based resilience strategies.
SUPPORT protection and restoration of coral reefs, marine ecosystems, and nearshore habitats, such
as mangrove forests, wetlands, floodplains, and other nature-based coastal protection.
SUPPORT the independence, authority, and finances of the state's Water Management Districts
consistent with Chapter 373, Florida Statutes, to protect water resources in the State.
Funding and Financing for Climate and Resilience
SUPPORT providing budget and implementing authority to relevant agencies to advance transportation
electrification, renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency and conservation, and resilience goals.
SUPPORT existing funding programs such as Resilient Florida, Building Resilient Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC), and Hazard Mitigation grants, and increased funding to support local
governments' resilience planning and implementation.
SUPPORT additional funding for local governments and the South Florida Water Management District
to support resilient infrastructure investments.
SUPPORT creation of a green bank or state investment fund to finance renewable energy and energy
efficiency projects.
SUPPORT funding for applied academic research into climate change and associated topics.
SUPPORT finance options for residents, businesses, and local governments, including grants, rebate
programs, tax credits and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs that ensure consumer
protections and transparency.
SUPPORT increased state funding for transit and transportation projects that reduce single-occupancy
vehicle trips.
SUPPORT funding for alternative water supply development, adaptation and resilience planning, and
no-regrets investments in water management, flood control, water supply, conservation land
acquisition, transportation, and other infrastructure that provide hazard mitigation and improve
immediate and long-term resilience.
Page 5
�r R
1\11"", FLORIDA
MIAMI-FADE
''%; /t%
III IIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�II�II�II�IIIIIII o%�%!%%'%
@uuu uuuV Vuuu of m u 0/
�C@�L1 gyp`
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMPACT COUNTIES
2024 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Approved by the Conipact I eadershi ooioif oo...... June °1 , 2022
Concerning federal legislation, regulations, and policies, the Compact Counties and other
organizations adopting this document:
SUPPORT a whole-of-government approach to the climate crisis, commensurate to the urgency of the
problem highlighted by the Working Group I (Physical Science Basis) contribution to the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report, described as a "code
red for humanity" by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
SUPPORT infrastructure investments and policies to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions 50 -
52 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and to net zero by 2050, reach 100 percent carbon pollution-free
electricity by 2035, increase renewable energy, promote zero-emissions vehicles and public
transportation, and equitably increase community resilience to climate impacts, including sea level rise,
storm surge, flooding, and extreme heat and precipitation.
SUPPORT legislation, policies, funding, financing, rebates and incentives to expand energy efficiency,
including the increased funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program and
Weatherization Assistance programs, as well as expansion of the eligible uses for program funds to
include flood and wind protection and other resilience measures.
SUPPORT "strong, rapid and sustained reductions" in methane emissions, which the IPCC Sixth
Assessment Report Working Group I contribution identifies as essential to achieving Paris Agreement
targets and a significant opportunity to improve air quality, including the global Methane Pledge, a
partnership to reduce methane emissions 30% from 2020 levels by 2030, and the U.S. Methane
Emissions Reduction Action Plan.
SUPPORT significant federal investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and incentives for
consumers and businesses, including low-income residents.
SUPPORT efforts to reauthorize, improve, and strengthen the National Flood Insurance Program to
protect affordability and availability, and encourage greater program participation, expand the Increased
Cost of Compliance Program, emphasize and increase funding for flood mitigation, and develop
accurate flood maps.
SUPPORT action by the US Army Corps of Engineers to fully reassess the Central and Southern
Florida Flood Control Project for future flood risk and resilience, leveraging existing flood vulnerability
assessments already advanced in the region, inclusive of the incorporation of extreme rainfall
intensification in all future conditions assessments, and the appropriations required for the 216 Flood
Risk and the WRDA 2022 Comprehensive Studies.
CE° xllI li b li t C
SUPPORT increased funding for shore and flood protection projects, including legislation requiring the
US Army Corps of Engineers to use natural and nature-based features in shore and flood protection
projects whenever possible and a study of the feasibility of using all available domestic and non-
domestic sources of sand in beach renourishment projects.
SUPPORT additional financial measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide,
including pricing mechanisms such a price on carbon, and incentives.
SUPPORT prohibition of oil and gas leasing off the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coasts of the United
States.
SUPPORT increasingly stringent vehicle emissions standards proposed by the Administration and even
stricter standards to require at least 50 percent of new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold to be
zero-emission by 2030 and full electrification of the nation's vehicles as soon as practicable, including
significant minimum requirements for all vehicles, not just corporate averages.
SUPPORT a workplace heat standard advanced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) to better protect outdoor and indoor workers and reduce the dangers of exposure to ambient
heat.
uRD °
lo
��nuii, / l % ,�ii
MIAh11'-DADE j/�/ lj 1,%, %, �/d/o�
������� II IIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�II�II�II�IIIIIII � %�%%%,�!°'
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMPACT COUNTIES
2024 FEDERAL ENERGY, CLIMATE, AND RESILIENCE LEGISLATIVE PRINCIPLES
Approved by the Compact i eadership Coniniittss...... duns °14, 2022
Background
Southeast Florida is one of the most vulnerable areas in the country to climate change and sea level
rise. Recognizing their shared challenges, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties
("Compact Counties") adopted the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact ("Compact")
in 2010. The Compact includes a commitment to develop and advocate for joint state and federal
legislative policies. Accordingly, the Compact counties annually adopt a Federal Legislative Program.
The Compact Counties and other organizations adopting this document recognize that the local
impacts of global climate change are among the greatest challenges facing southeast Florida in the
present and future. Consequently, adapting to climate impacts, mitigating additional damage by
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building community and economic resilience are among the
highest priorities for action at all levels of government.
Since 2017, the Compact Counties issue their legislative program in two documents: Legislative
Principles (this document) and Legislative Priorities (published separately).
Concerning federal legislation, regulations, and policies, the Compact Counties and other organizations
adopting this document:
General Policies
SUPPORT a whole-of-government approach to the climate crisis, commensurate to the urgency of the
problem highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report,
described as a "code red for humanity" by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
SUPPORT rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 50 percent below 2005 levels by
2030 and net zero by 2050, consistent with the Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris
Agreement announced by the federal government in April 2021.
SUPPORT climate, energy, and resilience policies that reduce existing social and economic inequalities
and prioritize investments in low-income and historically-disadvantaged communities, specifically the
Justice40 Initiative to deliver at least 40 percent of the overall benefits of federal investments in climate
and clean energy programs to disadvantaged communities.
C°°°°°xllI li b li t
Compact Counties 2024 Federal Energy, Climate, and Resilience Legislative Principles
SUPPORT government-wide goals and priorities to plan for extreme weather resilience, preparedness,
and risk management, and to ensure that consideration of extreme weather events is incorporated into
agencies' everyday activities.
SUPPORT requirements that federal agencies and projects receiving federal funding consider
projected sea-level rise, coastal and inland flooding, potential storm surge, extreme rainfall, and
extreme heat in all infrastructure and facility-siting decisions.
SUPPORT increased access to agency climate science and data by the public and local governments
for use in planning.
SUPPORT language in federal infrastructure bills that defines "resilience" and "vulnerability" to extreme
weather events in the context of planning, design, and investment.
SUPPORT the funding, financing, development, and preservation of climate-resilient affordable
housing.
SUPPORT the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related vulnerabilities and financial
risks among federal agencies and federal contractors.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions
SUPPORT efforts to strengthen greenhouse gas emission standards for new and existing power plants;
require the inclusion of the social cost of carbon in benefit-cost analyses; require consideration of
secondary benefits in benefit-cost analyses of environmental regulations; increase energy- and fuel-
efficiency standards for vehicles, appliances, equipment, and industry; strengthen energy efficiency and
renewable energy goals for the federal government, including the Department of Defense; and tighten
regulation of methane emissions.
SUPPORT additional financial measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide,
including pricing mechanisms such a price on carbon, and incentives.
SUPPORT aid to state and local governments to determine sources of greenhouse gas emissions,
develop reduction plans and strategies, establish targets, and accomplish reductions.
SUPPORT stronger US participation in international climate agreements and programs.
Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Electrification
SUPPORT legislation, policies, funding, tax deductions and incentives to rapidly expand carbon-free
electricity generation, short- and long-term energy storage, and long-distance electricity transmission;
advance the electrification of buildings and transportation and prioritize planning for related
infrastructure; modernize the electricity grid; and prioritize the siting of renewable energy systems and
energy infrastructure guided by best practices and in a manner that minimizes environmental impact.
SUPPORT legislation, policies, funding, financing, rebates and incentives to expand energy efficiency,
including the increased funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant and
weatherization programs, as well as expansion of the eligible uses for program funds to include flood
and wind protection and other resilience measures.
SUPPORT tax credits and deductions for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including
provisions to allow local governments to benefit from such incentives despite their tax-free status.
Page 2
Compact Counties 2024 Federal Energy, Climate, and Resilience Legislative Principles
SUPPORT Property Assessed Clean Energy programs that advance energy efficiency and renewable
energy improvements and ensure consumer protections and transparency.
SUPPORT Department of Energy programs and resources that provide tools for management of
energy, such as Energy STAR Portfolio Manager.
Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
OPPOSE oil and gas exploration and production in federal lands in Florida, including the greater
Everglades ecosystem, in federal waters on Florida's Outer Continental Shelf, off the eastern seaboard
of the United States, and east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico, especially the
expansion of lease sales for oil and gas drilling within the boundaries of Florida's territorial seas in the
Department of Interior's five year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program and
any efforts to extract payment from states that oppose expansion in their territories for the royalty value
of potential leasing areas that remain unopened.
OPPOSE seismic surveying for oil and gas within the Everglades, any other federal lands, and
surrounding critical areas.
SUPPORT restrictions on hydraulic fracturing and other harmful oil and gas extraction activities.
SUPPORT allowing local governments to act during oil spill events as first responders and to be
reimbursed for their actions to protect their resources and restore damaged areas, and to ensure that
the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund can address Spills of National Significance where there is no financially
viable or legally responsible party.
Resilient Infrastructure and Planning
SUPPORT funding for and action by the US Army Corps of Engineers to fully reassess the Central and
South Florida Flood Control Project for future flood risk and resilience, leveraging existing flood
vulnerability assessments already advanced in the region, inclusive of the incorporation of extreme
rainfall intensification in all future conditions assessments.
SUPPORT use of natural and nature-based features, whenever possible, to protect against storm surge
and adapt to sea level rise, including legislation requiring their use by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
SUPPORT adaptation of federal, state, and local roadways, railways, and other transportation routes
for future climate conditions.
SUPPORT recognition of local government land-use designations for community resilience, such as
Adaptation Action Areas, and prioritized infrastructure investment funding for these areas.
Natural Disaster Risk Reduction, Adaptation, and Resilience
SUPPORT and maximize linkages between natural disaster risk reduction and climate change
adaptation measures, recognizing that the two areas share a common concern of future risk and
vulnerability and a common goal of resilience.
SUPPORT increased funding for federal disaster mitigation and recovery programs, including the Pre-
Disaster Mitigation Program, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Flood Mitigation Program, Stafford Act,
Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program, and Building Resilient Infrastructure
and Communities Program; greater transparency around eligibility and evaluation criteria; and
requirements to integrate climate adaptation measures into pre-disaster mitigation projects and post-
disaster rebuilding projects funded by these programs.
Page 3
Compact Counties 2024 Federal Energy, Climate, and Resilience Legislative Principles
SUPPORT greater federal investment in planning and projects that reduce state and local
governments' future risk and vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change and require that local
governments' local mitigation strategies be tied to vulnerability analyses and assessments.
SUPPORT efforts to reauthorize, improve, and strengthen the National Flood Insurance Program to
protect affordability and availability, as well as to encourage greater program participation, expand the
Increased Cost of Compliance Program, emphasize and increase funding for mitigation, and develop
accurate flood maps.
SUPPORT local government participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and in the
Community Rating System (CRS), and provision technical and financial resources for local
governments to implement community-wide flood risk reduction and floodplain protective measures that
increase their resilience and improve their NRS scores to reduce premiums for NFIP policyholders.
SUPPORT a strong Federal Flood Risk Management Standard informed by climate science.
SUPPORT a workplace heat standard advanced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) to better protect outdoor and indoor workers and reduce the dangers of exposure to ambient
heat.
Resilient Water, Coastal and Land Resources
SUPPORT complete implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, including but
not limited to projects such as the Central Everglades Planning Project, Everglades Agricultural Area
reservoir, storage and treatment in the Northern Everglades that protect east and west coast estuaries
and projects that restore natural flows to Florida Bay.
SUPPORT programs through the Department of Interior, National Park Service, NOAA, and EPA that
evaluate climate impacts and develop agency responses to protect public lands, collect weather-related
data, and link climate- and habitat-related data to public health.
SUPPORT nature-based investments in coastal protection, including coral reefs.
Funding and Financing for Climate and Resilience
SUPPORT the explicit inclusion of resilience funding in budgets of all relevant federal agencies.
SUPPORT the flexible implementation of existing federal grant programs and increased federal funding
for federal climate, energy, transportation, resilience, planetary observation, earth science, weather,
coastal and marine management, public health, industrial policy, and research and development, and
any other programs that lower greenhouse gas emissions, build community resilience to extreme
weather and other disruptions, support equitable climate change adaptation and mitigation, and protect
natural resources.
SUPPORT funding to downscale global and national climate models to regional and local levels and to
develop reliable future climate and sea level rise scenarios for regional and local use.
SUPPORT the continued eligibility of funding for activities to adapt to climate change and extreme
weather events under the Federal-Aid and Federal Lands Highway programs.
SUPPORT funding for public transit and non-motorized travel.
Page 4
Compact Counties 2024 Federal Energy, Climate, and Resilience Legislative Principles
SUPPORT a national infrastructure bank and prioritization of resilient projects supported by local
governments for such funding.
SUPPORT continued funding of Clean Cities Programs and diesel pollution reduction programs.
SUPPORT robust federal tax credits, rebates, and incentives to property owners who make resilience,
hardening, risk reduction, energy efficiency, and electrification improvements to their properties.
SUPPORT use of expanded and holistic resilience benefits within criteria and cost-benefit analysis
used to evaluate projects eligible for federal funding.
Page 5