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Why Support Efficiency and Renewable Energy Legislation in Florida?

By Pete Johnson, Climate Change Organizer, Audubon of Florida

Energy efficiency measures can go a long way toward reducing our dependence on polluting fossil fuels, such as oil and coal. Clean renewable energy can eventually take us the rest of the way to a clean and vibrant energy economy that creates jobs and stimulates technological innovation.

The transition as a state, nation and throughout the world is inevitable because fossil fuels are nonrenewable and because the impacts of climate changeÑsuch as sea level rise, more intense storms, storm surges and droughtÑpose serious threats to birds, wildlife, and our state's natural treasures.

Florida is making progress in improving its energy efficiency measures and this was recognized in a report released in October by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The report provided a detailed comparison of states progress on a range of energy efficiency measures. Compared to the last report card in 2007, Florida was among the four most improved states, jumping ten points from 29th in the 2007 ACEEE report card to 19th in this year's scorecard.

While progress is being made on energy efficiency, much remains to be accomplished to stimulate growth of renewable energy in the state. The legislature passed Energy Bill 7135 this year, which included direction to the Florida Public Service Commission to develop what is called a Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires electric utilities to provide a growing percentage of their electricity by using clean, renewable energy. Audubon is advocating for a standard that provides 20 percent of our electricity from clean sources, such as solar power, by 2020.

Robert Reedy, Director of UCF Florida Solar Energy Center, reports that solar generating potential from residential rooftops alone in Florida is 35 gigawatts (equal to 23 new 1500 megawatt power plants).

Strong renewable energy standards, coupled with a smart grid system to provide safe, reliable means for distributed power generation. With more progress toward creating robust renewable energy standards, Florida could easily move up even further in future ACEEE report cards and be an example for other states around the country.

How You Can Help

Audubon is working to tip the scales toward strong energy efficiency measures, solar and all other forms of clean, renewable energy as fast as we can because these policies will help solve climate change, provide relief from high oil prices, strengthen national security, and especially stimulate the economy and green job creation.

Please contact the Florida Public Services Commission and let them know you support a 20% or greater Renewable Portfolio Standard by 2020, as recommended by Governor Charlie Crist in Executive Order 07-127.

You can also participate by joining the Audubon Climate Action Network, which entitles you to become a member of the Alliance For Climate Protection's We Can Solve the Climate Crisis Campaign. Sign up today by visiting http://www.audubonofflorida.org.