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Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association E-news 
 

Volume 5                                                                                               January 2009

 
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Renewable Energy In Florida
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Message From President
 
  
  

Let us begin by saying, Happy New Year! 

We also wish to thank the nearly 100 renewable energy professionals, business representatives and entrepreneurs whom attended our Renewable Energy Grant, Loan and Finance Workshop on December 16 in Orlando. The workshop was an exclamation point to a watershed year for energy policy in Florida.  FREPA is honored to have worked with so many exemplary organizations and top notch advocates in pursuit of our mutual goals this past year.
 

As you know, we stand at a crossroad for redefining how we live amid the financial challenges and global concerns facing us. Opportunities to address climate change and promote green industry abound. At the apex of that crossroad is the work of the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) and, ultimately, the action of the 2009 Florida Legislature regarding the development of a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS). Currently. 29 other states have an RPS policy. With a strong RPS, Florida can emerge as the leader in the Southeastern United States with respect to its commitment to the clean tech industry. An RPS is a statement to the rest of the world that Florida is a major player, not only in renewable energy development and production, but in what will become a green jobs economy.  Imagine the economic position and strength Florida would garner as a result of increased green jobs and growing a clean-tech industry!

Armed with facts provided by advocates, academics and scientists, public testimony, and their own consultants, on January 9, 2009 the Florida Public Service Commission unanimously agreed to recommend an RPS rule to the Florida Legislature. The PSC recommended that 20% of Florida's energy generation come from renewable resources by 2020. The 20% by 2020 target reflects the Governor's goal and the position of advocates such as FREPA. We thank PSC commissioners for their wisdom and courage to support recommendations that will be long remembered as transformational for Florida's energy policy.  These efforts will ultimately change how independent power producers and utilities work together toward a mutual end - that is to create more renewable energy in Florida. 

There is much to celebrate. However, the work is far from complete as the dialogue moves to the Florida Legislature for final passage of the 20% RPS. Lack of strong compliance measures for the RPS also remains an issue. To be in the best posture for renewable energy investments from the federal government and other sources, strong compliance measures are needed along with the creation of a "Clean Energy Fund" (a.k.a. Public Benefits Fund) for renewable development in Florida.

Additionally, there are efforts underway to change the term Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) to a Clean Energy Portfolio Standard (CPS) to allow nuclear energy and perhaps "clean" coal to be counted toward the portfolio goal. As a result, Florida would be statutorily changing the definition of what is universally called renewable energy by replacing "renewable" with the word "clean".  It is critcal that the resulting policy remain true to the core goal which is specific to "renewable" energy sources.

 

Finally, we must address some other key policy questions to secure Florida's green economic future. For instance, how do we best support our biofuels industry? How do we assist biofuel producers, biomass developers and our farmers whom are eager to grow energy crops? How do we obtain or structure the loan guarantees and other financial tools for projects that wean us off fossil fuels? To diversify Florida's economy, what policy and fiscal incentives are needed to attract clean tech manufacturing?  These challenges pose opportunities.

Moving forward, we urge our members, supporters and other activists to thank the PSC and lawmakers whom have helped pave the way so far. We also ask that you prepare for the hard work ahead. To achieve historical and significant change for generations to come, we must continue our efforts to promote renewable energy policies with a lasting impact on Florida's economic development and leadership standing in the Southeast.  

Again, thank you for supporting FREPA and adding your collective voices to our mutual goals. We look forward to working with you in 2009.

 
Sincerely,

 
Michael Dobson

 


 
 
ANNOUNCING 
Second Annual Sunshine State Energy Expo
 
At the  Mary Brogan Museum , Tallahassee , Florida
March 11-12
(welcome reception on March 10th)
 
 
$150.00 meeting attendee fee
 (include reception, breakfast,lunch all sessions and materials)
  To reserve seat:Pay Now
 
 
$275.00 Exhibitors 
(include table, 8x5 area, table cloth, two chairs ) 
 
Exhibitor Fee: Pay Now
 
 Lunch and meeting materials included.
All paying attendees receive a 50% discount off of annual FREPA membership. 
 
Reserve your place now for this popular conference by signing up via paypal above 
 
Sponsorships
Platinum-$5000 (limit 4)
Diamond-$3000 (limit 4)
Gold-$2500 
Silver-$1500 
Bronze-$1000 

For more info on becoming a sponsor contact: Events@Floridaenergyproducers.com
AGENDA

 

Second Annual Sunshine State Renewable Energy Expo

At the  Mary Brogan Museum , Tallahassee , Florida

March 11-12

(welcome reception on March 10th)

 

 

March 10

 

6:00-8:00  Welcome Reception

 

March 11

 

7:30-8:15 a.m. Sign In

 

 

8:30 - 9:00a.m. - Welcome : Michael Dobson, President/CEO- Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association

Opening remarks by special guest  speaker -TBA

Alex Sink CFO Invited

 

9:10- 10:00 ( Session A) Sunshine State Energy Future

 Presenters - Representatives from Biomass, solar, biofuels, ocean and wind industry

Panelist: TBA

 

9:10-10:00 (Session B)

Feedstock Availability; Biomass and Biofuels Project Financing 

 
Dr.
Tawainga Katsvairo

Other Presenters-TBA

 

New****9:10- 9:50-*Special Session FREPA members only  (lower level)

Roundtable presentation, discussion and Q&A -Project financing

John May, VP Stern Brothers-Invited

Representative Bank of America-Invited

 

10:10-11:50a.m. (Session A) The role of government, policymakers and business leaders

Panelist-TBA

 

10:10-11:50a.m. (Session B, lower level) Federal Renewable Energy Grant and Loans

 

Presenter- Representative USDA-TBA

Presenter- Representative DOE  -TBA

 

Panelist-TBA

 

11:00- 11:45a.m. (Session A)- Cap and Trade/Renewable Energy Credits, renewable project financing

Presenters: TBA

 

11:00- 11:45a.m. (Session B, Lower level)- Energy Efficiency

A. Public policy in the area of energy efficiency

B. Making your home more energy efficient

C. Energy Efficiency research and development updates and opportunities

D. Products

 

Panelist and Presenters: TBA

 

 

 

12:00-1:15 p.m. - Lunch Session

Keynote speaker: TBA

"International market overview and energy investment big picture"  

 

 

 

 

1:30 - 2:20 p.m. (Session A)- Florida Green Jobs Economy

What are green jobs?

Where public policy and economic development meet

Tools to attract green jobs

Florida potential green economy

Role of education system

 

Presenters-TBA

 

1:30 - 2:20 p.m. (Session B- lower level)- Renewable Energy Research and Development to Commercialization .. updates 

 

Panel- TBA

 

2:25- 3:20p.m. (Session A)-Cities and Counties reducing carbon footprints

 

Presenters-TBA

 

2:25- 3:20p.m. (Session B)-Green building and construction opportunities in a green economy

 

Presenters-TBA

 

3:25-4:55 p.m.- Moving Florida into a Leadership Position in Renewable Energy - what to do now.

Presentations-Panel Discussion- Q&A

Florida Renewable Energy Association (FREA)-Invited

Florida Solar Energy Industries Association(Flaseia)-Invited

Florida Farm Bureau -Invited

Florida Chamber of Commerce -Invited

Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association (FREPA)

Florida Universities Renewable Energy Consortium -Invited

Enterprise Florida-Invited

Florida Economic Development Councils

 

 

 

5:30- 8:00 p.m. Informal gathering at Andrews Bar and Grill

 

March 12

 

8:00-8:40 (coffee , juice and danish available)

Renewable Energy Lobby Day Prep

Overview of key components of the Florida Renewable Energy advocates policy suggestions and list of key lawmakers, appointments and etc

Presenter: FREPA Renewable energy policy coalition coordinators.

 

 

8:45- Begin meetings with lawmakers at state capital

 

 

 


Accomodations
SpringHill Suites Marriott
1300 Executive Dr 
(at Kroger Center Appalachee Parkway)Tallahassee
Florida 
(850) 325-1103 
  
Special meeting rate of $149.00 per night.
  
 
 FREPA Newest Member
 
Orange County Government, Florida
(Eviromental Protection)
 
Orange County is one of seven counties recognized as comprising Central Florida. It is a charter county, meaning it has its own constitution and is self-governing. The Orange County Environmental Protection Division is a part of Orange County's Community and Environmental Services Department. 
 
 
Note:
 
 Presentations from the December 16, 2008 Renewable Energy Grant,Loans and Finance  Workshop are available on the FREPA website at the "Industry Events" page via the Decemcmbr 16 workshop link.   

 
 
 
 

News and Articles

 Oil execs see growth in renewable energy
By H. JOSEF HEBERT
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Many oil and gas company executives are predicting a significant ramp-up of renewable energy use over the next five years to run cars and trucks and generate electricity, according to a new survey. Read More
 

 RFA's Bob Dinneen says economic instability could make meeting early RFS targets difficult  

With ethanol industry profits plunging and investments in second generation biofuels slowing, the renewable fuels industry faces a challenging year ahead. Will renewable fuels be included in the next stimulus? Can the industry meet the early mandates set by the Renewable Fuels Standard? During today's OnPoint, Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association discusses the current state of the ethanol industry and gives his expectations for the year ahead.
 
 

Energy panel shake up signals action on climate
By DINA CAPPIELLO | Associated Press Writer 

WASHINGTON - A liberal Massachusetts Democrat will take over a House subcommittee that will play a major role in drafting legislation on global warming and other environmental issues. 
Read More

 
Exxon CEO doubts Obama's alternative energy goal
 By Tom Doggett
 
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson said on Thursday it would be difficult to meet President-elect Barack Obama's goal to significantly boost U.S. alternative energy production. Read More
 

The Secretary of Agriculture's Climate Challenge
By Kate Galbraith

 How much influence could Tom Vilsack, the former governor of Iowa who has just been tapped as the next Secretary of Agriculture, have over renewable energy and climate change?
Read More
 
 
 Cities Use Creative, Targeted Lending to Speed Energy Projects
By Libby Tucker 
 
One challenge to getting energy-saving initiatives off the ground is that the presumed social benefits arising from improved energy efficiency (fewer greenhouse gases, for instance) are often at odds with the rational economic calculus of homeowners on the ground. Read More
 

Renewing Green Development
New Incentives May Be Needed as Projects Lack Financing

By Steven Mufson
Washington Post Staff Writer
 
President-elect Barack Obama said yesterday that he wanted to double the production of alternative energy over the next three years, a goal that will probably require a new set of government incentives for the capital-intensive solar and wind industries.
Read More

 
 A Freakonomics Quorum: How Will the Recession Affect Clean Technology?
By Stephen J. Dubner
Way back when in 2006, here's what venture-capital legend John Doerr had to say about clean technology: "This field of greentech could be the largest economic opportunity of the 21st century." Read More



Please contact our office at (850) 222-0441 or e-mail Michael@floridaenergyproducers.com for additional information about FREPA.
 
 
Sincerely,
 

Michael Dobson
Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association