TAMPA, Fla. — University of South Florida and local community leaders are closer to providing cleaner energy to the Tampa Bay area.
USF’s Patel College of Global Sustainability is working with community members and leaders across four counties to develop a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next four years, a news release said.
The plan, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will prioritize Tampa Bay’s solar energy systems and work to convert transportation vessels into electric.
Gas emissions from transportation in the Tampa Bay area accounted for well over a third of all energy emitted in 2021, according to the release.
Air pollution increased by more than 11% in the same year, Axios Tampa Bay reported.
Those part of the plan said current gas emissions could be cut 63% by 2050. Professor Kebreab Ghebremichael said this is only possible if Tampa Bay is serious about doing so.
“By being conscious and taking action, Tampa Bay is setting an example to other major cities and even other countries in taking matters into their own hands about tackling climate change,” graduate student research assistant Katia Aldana said.
Jurisdictions in Hillsborough, Pinellas Pasco and Hernando have until April 1 to further review the plan.
