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.  

 
Sincerely,