Florida recently released its state Energy and Climate Change Action Plan. It’s a real winner for people and wildlife.

The report’s Executive Summary outlines 50 specific policy recommendations that will save the state $28 billion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions 64% by 2025, and reduce Florida’s energy use by 53.5 gallons of petroleum and 200 million tons of coal.

The report also outlines a host of strategies to protect Florida’s wildlife and natural resources from the harmful effects of climate change already underway.

Florida’s report shows that the state’s early investments in a low carbon economy will provide Floridians with significant economic and energy security benefits. Other states that are looking to create economic opportunity, reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, and confront the climate crisis should take note of Florida's example.

Larry Schweiger

Walk, bike, roll or stroll to a trail near you this Columbus Day Weekend (October 11-13th, 2008) for the first annual Make Tracks™ Family Trail Weekend!

A new website by National Wildlife Federation has taken the legwork out of preparing for a fun family outing. Go to http://www.nwf.org/maketracks/ to get a list of supplies, tips for family-friendly activities, and a link to NatureFind, a terrific database to locate the best nearby trails, walking paths and parks, just by entering your zip code.

With today’s high gas prices, discovering nature where you live has even more benefits.

Haven’t hiked much, or ever? No problem, you don’t need to be an expert or in top physical condition to enjoy the outdoors. Have small children? Grab the stroller. Your outing can be as long or as short as you want. Be part of a growing movement in the U.S. to rediscover the outdoors – and realize the benefits of stepping away from the computer or TV or video game and breathing some fresh air while experiencing the wonders of nature.

Larry Schweiger

Field and Stream recently ran my opinion piece on oil shale: A Sub-Prime Energy Future on their home page.

By doing Big Oil’s bidding and allowing the offshore drilling and commercial oil shale moratoriums to expire, Congress has failed to protect the interests of Americans in general, and hunters and anglers in particular. Though largely overshadowed in the national discussion, commercial oil shale drilling in the West is a sub-prime investment that America cannot afford, because it endangers scarce water resources, wildlife and recreation habitat and is a step backward for the climate.

Meanwhile, we are shutting the door on millions of Americans who are waiting for the good paying jobs that Made-in-America clean energy technologies could produce. But these investments, which would recharge America’s economy, are losing ground to Big Oil’s multi-million dollar campaign to "drill, baby, drill."

Oil shale is the poster child for a sub-prime investment in our energy future.

Larry Schweiger