Ideas

Loranne Ausley
Former Senator | Tallahassee, FL

Protecting Our Natural Resources through Agricultural and Environmental Alliances

Idea Category: Climate Change

Problem

Our world is experiencing the effects of climate change in a way that threatens every corner of the planet, from rising sea levels, drought, and heat to catastrophic weather events. Most farmers recognize and understand the value of our natural resources and have used the best technology available and affordable at the time; yet, many outdated practices resulted in over-fertilization and runoff into our water bodies, timber reduction without repopulation, and animal farming practices that produce waste and byproducts.  At the same time, we are experiencing loss of farm and timberland due to the continued expansion of urban and coastal development and natural disasters. A farmer once shared that “the last crop a farmer ever plants is housed.”

Solution

Our legislation seeks to bring environmentalists and agricultural producers together to quantify the ways that farmers and large landholders contribute to long-term sustainability and resiliency goals. State agencies and universities will determine a value for services such as water recharge, stormwater filtration, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, and air quality.  Putting a value on the BENEFITS of these "services" will encourage and incentivize best practices and modern farming techniques that are integral to the protection of critical natural resources.

More Idea’s From Loranne Ausley

Senator Loranne Ausley: ‘Foster Children’s Bill of Rights’ in Florida

Idea Category: Equity & Opportunity, Public Safety | Funding Source: ARP

Brighter Futures Early Learning Scholarships

Idea Category: Education, Equity & Opportunity | Funding Source: ARP

South City Tech Hub: Creating Digital Equity

Idea Category: COVID, Infrastructure, Public Safety | Funding Source: ARP

South of Southside Arts and Humanities Festival

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP

Pop Up Preschool

Idea Category: Education, Equity & Opportunity | Funding Source: ARP

Brave Spaces

Idea Category: Education, Equity & Opportunity | Funding Source: ARP

Early Learning Training Institute

Idea Category: Education | Funding Source: ARP

Assistive Technology Helps Disabled Students in School, Community and Workplace

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP

Safety for deaf/hard of hearing drivers and law enforcement officers

Idea Category: Smart Government | Funding Source: ARP

Purpose Built Communities

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship, Smart Government | Funding Source: ARP