Item Q1 Q1
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY of MONROE �� i Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
The Florida Keys Mayor Pro Tern James K.Scholl,District 3
Craig Cates,District 1
Michelle Lincoln,District 2
David Rice,District 4
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
November 19, 2024
Agenda Item Number: Q1
2023-3168
BULK ITEM: Yes DEPARTMENT: Sustainability
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Rhonda Haag and Lisa Tennyson
N/A
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of a resolution to accept the Southeast Florida Regional
Climate Change Compact 2025 State and Federal Energy and Climate Legislative Programs.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
The Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, approved by the Broward, Palm Beach,
Miami-Dade, and Monroe County Commissions in late 2009/early 2010, is a voluntary commitment
among the four counties to collaborate in addressing shared climate mitigation and adaptation
challenges. One of the commitments established by the Compact is the annual development of joint
legislative programs on climate and energy issues at both the state and federal level. Consequently,
joint state and federal legislative programs and priorities have been developed and approved annually
by all four Compact County commissions. Presently, the 2025 Compact programs and priorities, which
were approved by the Compact's Staff Steering Committee, are under simultaneous consideration by all
four Compact county commissions.
This agenda item brings forward the 2025 Compact programs which build upon prior year's programs.
Approval of this item supports encouraging investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices and
environmental protection, and the goals of seeking funding for, implement policies and pursue projects
promoting, the use of alternative energy, resource conservation, sustainable practices and environmental
protection.
The Compact Policy Team and Staff Steering Committee separated the State and Federal legislative
programs into four parts:
• A "Principles" document for both State and Federal general legislative principles, reflecting long-
standing positions that have remained consistent over time. The Federal Principles will likely require
only minimal changes from year to year.
• A "Priorities" document 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.
4176
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
January 20, 2021: Approval of a resolution to accept the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change
Compact Counties 2021 State and Federal Energy and Climate Legislative Programs.
November 8, 2023: Approval of a resolution to accept the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change
Compact Counties 2024 State and Federal Energy and Climate Legislative Programs.
INSURANCE REQUIRED:
No
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
DOCUMENTATION:
BOCC Resolution-Adopting 2025 State Legislative Program Principles and Federal Principles of
SE.pdf
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date: November 19, 2024 Expiration Date: Not Applicable
Total Dollar Value of Contract: N/A Total Cost to County: N/A
Current Year Portion: N/A Budgeted: N/A
Source of Funds: N/A CPI: N/A
Indirect Costs: N/A
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts: N/A
Revenue Producing: No If yes, amount:
Grant: No County Match: N/A
Insurance Required: No Additional Details: None
4177
RESOLUTION NO. -2024
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA,ADOPTING THE 2025 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 j oint state and federal
legislative policies and, accordingly, the Compact counties have 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
4178
2. The Board of County Commissioners hereby approves the SEFL Regional Climate Change
Compact 's 2025 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 19th day of November 2024.
Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein
Mayor Pro Tern James K. Scholl
Commissioner Craig Cates
Commissioner Michelle Lincoln
Commissioner David Rice
Attest: KEVIN MADOK, CLERK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNT FLORIDA
By: By:
As Deputy Clerk Mayor
MONwNRA DE COUNTY ATTORNEYS S�q HFFNC'E
APPROVED A!S TO FORM
DATiE.. 10-02-2024
2
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Compact Counties 2025 State Climate, Energy, and Resilience Legislative Priorities
EXHIBIT A
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SOUTHEAST FLORIDA REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMPACT COUNTIES
2025 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Concerning state legislation, regulations, and policies. the Compact Counties and other organizations
adopting this document:
OPPOSE state preemption of local governments' programs, policies, and regulation that would
compromise home rule authority to appropriately build resilience, respond to and manage the threats of
climate change.
SUPPORT legislation, policies, programs, funding, rebates and incentives that expand renewable
energy, energy conservation and efficiency opportunities, and related workforce development, including
the adoption of meaningful energy efficiency programs and goals.
OPPOSE any changes that would eliminate or weaken net metering policies.
SUPPORT higher energy, water, and resilience standards for new and existing buildings to prepare for
and lessen the impacts of future climate conditions through legislation, including the adoption of such
standards into the 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 accept and
leverage federal funds to the benefit of local government for the purposes of increasing resilience and
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
SUPPORT the full funding of local match and coordination between the South Florida Water
Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of the Central and Southern Florida Flood
Risk Resilience Studies.
SUPPORT the affordability, access, coverage, and continued reform of hazard and windstorm
insurance offered within and by the State of Florida, through improved collaboration and data sharing
with respect to implemented wind and flood mitigation measures between insurers, state and local
governments, greater risk disclosure and transparency related to premium calculations.
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,
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Compact Counties 2025 State Climate, Energy, and Resilience Legislative Priorities
including consideration of formulas to distribute state funding to local governments, water management
districts, and regional resilience entities, and a consideration to lower the current match requirement.
Page 2
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Compact Counties 2025 State Climate, Energy, and Resilience Legislative Principles
EXHIBIT B
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2025 STATE CLIMATE, ENERGY, AND RESILIENCE LEGISLATIVE PRINCIPLES
Backaround
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 have issued 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 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, underpinned by assumptions that account for the criticality and lifespan
of the infrastructure or facility.
Closer coordination among state agencies to share data and implement solutions on climate
and extreme weather preparedness, resilience, and adaptation issues.
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Compact Counties 2025 State Climate, Energy, and Resilience Legislative Principles
State funding and assistance for local governments' adaptation activities, sufficient to meet the
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
OPPOSE any legislation that preempts the ability of local governments to address and implement
projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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, reduction of vehicle idling,
expansion of public transit, and reduction of vehicle 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.
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Compact Counties 2025 State Climate, Energy, and Resilience Legislative Principles
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.
SUPPORT expansion of building benchmarking and re-tuning programs in order to optimize building
energy performance.
SUPPORT legislation and policies requiring utilities to collect aggregated whole-building energy 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.
SUPPORT programs to expand energy efficiency for all residents including renters, inclusive of on-bill
low and no-interest financing for energy efficiency upgrades.
SUPPORT legislation and policies requiring electric utilities to provide residential customers with
relative average energy consumption at the neighborhood level.
Transportation
OPPOSE measures or legislation that limits the ability of transportation agencies to consider
greenhouse gas reduction in transportation planning and implementation.
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 protected 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, including in the State Transportation Plan.
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Compact Counties 2025 State Climate, Energy, and Resilience Legislative Principles
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 local governments efforts 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 local government efforts to advance resilience in post-disaster redevelopment and
affordable housing investments.
SUPPORT efforts to build and retrofit utility and other critical infrastructure 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.
SUPPORT greater use of natural and nature-based solutions to protect against storm surge, flooding,
and adapt to sea level rise.
SUPPORT adaptation of state and local roadways for future climate conditions, including to extreme
rainfall events and compound flooding.
SUPPORT the local match and coordination between the South Florida Water Management District and
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Central and Southern Florida Flood Risk Resilience Studies.
SUPPORT plans that advance smart growth and mixed use principles, transit oriented and compact
development patterns, to reduce vehicle miles traveled, increase walkability, integrate heat mitigation
and floodplain management, and preserve and expand affordable housing.
Resilient Buildings
SUPPORT incentives for resilient construction standards and biophilic design to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and/or reduce hazards in existing and future building stock.
SUPPORT higher energy, water, and resilience standards for new and existing buildings (including but
not limited to energy and water conservation and efficiency, 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.
SUPPORT efforts to increase resilient affordable housing stock, including expanded funding of the My
Safe Florida Homes Program and other similar programs to support fortification of building stock,
including for rental properties.
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Compact Counties 2025 State Climate, Energy, and Resilience Legislative Principles
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 the affordability, access, coverage, and continued reform of hazard and windstorm
insurance offered within and by the State of Florida, through improved collaboration and data sharing
with respect to implemented wind and flood mitigation measures between insurers, state and local
governments, greater risk disclosure and transparency related to premium calculations.
SUPPORT legislation to ensure that policyholders are not de-populated from Citizens without
affirmative consent from the policyholder, if the offer from a private insurance company exceeds 20% of
their Citizens premium.
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, and a consideration to lower the current match requirement.
SUPPORT greater use of natural and nature-based solutions to protect against storm surge and adapt
to sea level rise, increased flooding, and extreme heat.
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 greater integration between the State Hazard Mitigation Plan and State Resilience Plan.
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 provision of state standards or guidelines for heat stress prevention for workers.
SUPPORT legislation and regulatory changes to require adequate cooling in all residential rental
properties.
SUPPORT legislation to direct the State Department of Health to develop a statewide dashboard for
monitoring heat related illnesses on a daily and weekly basis by county.
Resilient Water, Coastal, and Land Resources
SUPPORT complete implementation of ecosystem restoration efforts. This includes but is not limited to
the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, Central Everglades Planning Project, Everglades
Agricultural Area reservoir, Biscayne Bay and Southeastern Everglades Ecosystem Restoration,
storage and treatment in the Northern Everglades, projects that protect east and west coast estuaries,
and projects that restore natural flows to Florida and Biscayne Bays.
SUPPORT changes to the Florida Communities Trust program and other programs to provide authority
and funding for local governments to acquire land to mitigate the effects of sea-level rise, reduce flood
Page 5
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Compact Counties 2025 State Climate, Energy, and Resilience Legislative Principles
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 protections.
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
and programs.
SUPPORT existing funding programs such as Resilient Florida, Building Resilient Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC), and Hazard Mitigation grants, My Safe Florida Homes Program, utility
demand-side management programs, as well as the development of new sources of funding to support
local governments' climate mitigation and resilience planning, and implementation.
SUPPORT additional funding for local and tribal 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 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.
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Compact Counties 2025 Federal Energy, Climate, and Resilience Legislative
EXHIBIT C
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SOUTHEAST FLORIDA REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMPACT COUNTIES
2025 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
:: :: :: ::, September ,. ° ,.
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, extreme heat, and precipitation.
SUPPORT legislation, policies, funding, financing, and incentives to expand programs that advance
energy efficiency, renewable energy, flood and wind protection, nature-based solutions, 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 to
reduce methane emissions 30 percent from 2020 levels by 2030, and the U.S. Methane Emissions
Reduction Action Plan.
SUPPORT significant federal investments in the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure
commensurate with current and projected EV adoption, and continued incentives supporting the growth
of electric vehicles, including for low-income populations.
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 Risk Resilience studies 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
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Compact Counties 2025 Federal Energy, Climate, and Resilience Legislative
advancement and completion of the section 216 and 203 flood risk studies as well as the
comprehensive study authorized by WRDA 2022.
SUPPORT increased funding for shore and flood protection projects, including legislation requiring the
US Army Corps of Engineers to use nature-based solutions 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 as 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,
Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards (CAFE) standards for model years 2027-2031, and 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 injury and illness prevention rule 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.
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Compact Counties 2025 Federal Energy, Climate, and Resilience Legislative Principles
I' EXHIBIT D
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SOUTHEAST FLORIDA REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMPACT COUNTIES
2025 FEDERAL ENERGY, CLIMATE, AND RESILIENCE LEGISLATIVE PRINCIPLES
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 with 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 inequities
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.
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Compact Counties 2025 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
federal 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, federal contractors, and publicly traded companies, including public
insurers.
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 as 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 U.S. participation in equitable 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 implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act energy efficiency programs, and 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.
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Compact Counties 2025 Federal Energy, Climate, and Resilience Legislative Principles
SUPPORT and continue 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.
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 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fully reassess the Central
and South Florida Flood Risk Resilience studies 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 advancement and completion of the section 216 and 203 flood risk studies as well as the
comprehensive study authorized by WRDA 2022.
SUPPORT funding for and use of nature-based solutions, whenever possible, to protect against storm
surge and adapt to sea level rise, increased flooding, and extreme heat, including legislation requiring
their use by the U.S. 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.
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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.
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 of 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 CRS scores to expand coverage and reduce premiums for
NFIP policyholders.
SUPPORT a strong Federal Flood Risk Management Standard informed by climate science.
SUPPORT federal protections for extreme heat, including 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.
SUPPORT the collection of climate risk data from property and casualty insurers through partnership
between the Federal Insurance Office, state insurance regulators, and the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners to aid in assessment of climate-related exposures and their effects on
insurance availability/affordability, including whether climate risk may create the potential for any major
disruptions of private insurance coverage in regions of the country particularly vulnerable to climate
change impacts.
SUPPORT the establishment of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a
cabinet-level federal agency, to improve FEMA's ability to support communities in preparing for,
responding to, and recovering from disasters.
Resilient Water, Coastal and Land Resources
SUPPORT complete implementation of ecosystem restoration efforts. This includes but is not limited to
the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, Central Everglades Planning Project, Everglades
Agricultural Area reservoir, Biscayne Bay and Southeastern Everglades Ecosystem Restoration,
storage and treatment in the Northern Everglades, projects that protect east and west coast estuaries,
and projects that restore natural flows to Florida and Biscayne Bays.
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 environmental-related data to public health.
SUPPORT funding for coral reef research, protection, and restoration.
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Funding and Financing for Climate and Resilience
SUPPORT the explicit inclusion of resilience funding in budgets of all relevant federal agencies.
SUPPORT the continued federal investments in climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience including
the protection of existing programs under the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,
and the ability for local governments to be directly eligible for federal programs.
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.
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.
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