The Florida Senate is expected to take up a wide-ranging energy bill this week that environmental advocates say has the potential to significantly change the state’s energy policy.
Among other things, the bill requires new buildings to be more energy efficient, creates a renewable portfolio standard for sources like solar and wind power, and directs the Department of Environmental Protection to develop regulations to limit global warming pollution and create a market for trading carbon pollution credits.
"Governor Crist has set ambitious goals aimed at making Florida a leader in generating clean energy and reducing global warming pollution. This energy bill gives state officials the "green light" to start turning talk into action," said Holly Binns, who directs Environment Florida’s energy and climate programs.
"In order to meet the Governor’s targets while keeping electricity bills reasonable, it is imperative that we make energy efficiency the first fuel of choice," said Melissa Meehan, Florida Climate Organizer for Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. "Florida needs to remove barriers to energy efficiency and implement robust programs to help homeowners save money and become more efficient."
One provision that concerns some environmental and consumer groups would allow utilities to recoup from their customers the cost of new transmission lines for nuclear power plants before they are even built.
"This provision benefits utility shareholders at the expense of consumers and their pocket books. The Public Service Commission recently approved an application by Florida Power & Light to expand the Turkey Point nuclear plant that will cost their customers up to an additional six dollars each month on their electricity bills. Energy efficiency is a cleaner, faster, cheaper way to meet our electricity needs." said Meehan.
A similar bill has been debated in the House Environment and Natural Resources Council for several weeks, and the most recent version is still in bill drafting. Environmental advocates say that they are monitoring the House bill, and plan to be actively involved in the development of the cap-and-trade and renewable portfolio standard regulations to ensure that Florida moves into a clean energy, low-carbon future.
Loading...