Dear Renewable Energy Supporters,

First, we thank the many attendees who participated in our Second Annual Sunshine State Renewable Energy Expo, held in Tallahassee on March 12.  We are now entering the final quarter of our legislative session and at this writing, we still do not have a renewable energy bill in the Florida House of Representatives. In the Florida Senate we have a compromise bill (SB 1154) that includes "clean coal" and "nuclear" energy into a portfolio standard called "clean energy portfolio standard". The truth is that despite all the talk about Florida being the "Sunshine state" and our abundant natural resources because of our robust agricultural community, we may not have an Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard bill (RPS) at the end of the 2009 regular legislative session. If that happens, it will be a black eye to Florida. We would have missed our only chance to finally be a major player in an industry that can truly diversify our economy. And, it will be our own fault. It would be our fault because while we can lament the various political reasons, we cannot make any of them an excuse for not taking action and for not providing jobs. It is our fault because when policymaker action is absent, it then becomes the duty, and yes, the obligation of citizens to act. If we missed this opportunity it would be an embarrassment to our great state and may be irreversible. Other states are moving ahead and reaping the rewards for doing so.

 As a long time Florida lobbyist participating in the hardball elements of governmental relations, I have always understood that a good bill is one in which no one gets their way entirely.  The same is true for the renewable energy legislation that is currently not moving through the legislature.  So, with respect to the current Senate bill, it begs the questions: What is a compromise and what is a clear abandonment of the core principle of the desired goal? For many, the latter seems to be true. But with great respect to the bill sponsor, compromise is never easy and his difficult job is rightfully acknowledged. But, he does in fact have a bill that is poised for debate. Again, such currently does not exist in the Florida House of Representatives.

It is fair to say that historically Florida has not promoted the renewable energy or clean tech industry with the same vigor that it protects and promotes those industries that are more entrenched and familiar. That is only natural. This makes getting a renewable energy portfolio standard and a green revolution in Florida difficult, but not impossible. We hang our hope that for the sake of state pride, bragging rights, and desire to create new jobs, our leaders would overcome the urge to double up on any and all resistance to change, even when it is clear our citizens want it and our economy needs it. One would think that those things would present a sense of urgency, but such urgency is not apparent.

Currently, nearly a half billion dollars  (or more) in federal stimulus dollars are committed to Florida with a focus toward creating green jobs when you combine dollars to local government, the weatherization program and direct dollars to our energy department. Weekly, FREPA's office receive calls from  college students eager to learn more about the renewable industry and those who are looking to major in areas that focuses on renewable energy, energy efficiency or sustainability. Flip to any channel on our now over 300 channel cable system and you may hear about the shift to a green economy, green jobs, the environment, energy efficiency, power from the sun, farm to fuel and etc. But, with all that said and being on the cusp of creating the policy landscape that will spur the green market in Florida, (at this writing) movement to change the energy paradigm in Florida has stalled in our legislature.

So, we urge our leaders to continue working to find a way forward to not damper the enthusiasm we see and feel for the many opportunities in this new industry for generations yet unborn. To have a more sustainable source of energy for them and live in a world that is safer, we must fully embrace renewable energy production in Florida and throughout the United States. More importantly, Florida could use the green jobs.

While we urge our leaders to continue working toward our goals, we also recognize that true revolutions in any policy often times come from beyond our state capital. They come from the citizens. We ask you and them to act with the urgency this moment deserves by contacting the Governor, Speaker of the House , Senate President and members of the legislature to get a renewable energy policy now... not tomorrow. Florida's chance is now and tomorrow will be too late.  Whoever summons the courage and lead solely on behalf of Floridians and counter to special interest on this issue will truly be a leader to behold.

And, Mr. Governor ...we need you. We urge you to expend some political capital now on the renewable energy policy in this legislative session as you have been a champion of this cause. It is possible that the penchant of some to defer to the ebb and flow of legislative politics out of courtesy may not do. We urge your help. We call upon  all to contact our officials and voice their support.