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Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association E-news 

                                                                                            

 Volume 9                                                                         September 2009

Renewable Energy In Florida
 
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Message From FREPA President
 
 
Dear Renewable Energy Supporters:
 

We hope you had a relaxing summer and were able to enjoy our planet's natural resources by enjoying the beaches, hiking, rafting, boating, fishing or other forms of leisure. And now, kids are back to school. 

In July and August, FREPA continued our statewide effort to engage legislators and advocates through various workshops. On July, 28, 2009 we held a small workshop in Tallahassee with representatives from the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce's renewable energy roundtable leaders, Linda Donwoody of Veolia and Travis Yelverton of the Chamber. The meeting was also attended by FREPA's newest member, State Representative Michelle Vasilinda. Two days later on July 30, 2009 a dinner and policy workshop was held in Orlando at the Farm to Fuel Summit, which the Commissioner of Agriculture and his Assistant Jay Levenstein was kind enough to allow us to hold.  State Senator Lee Constantine, State Representative Keith Fitzgerald, former State Represenative and now State Senate candidate Sharon Merchant and  state legislative candidate Rick Minor joined us.  These meetings allowed us to do some post legislative session analysis, reflect upon the work ahead and consider how we muster the will and ability to build coalitions to challenge the status quo.
 

To many, the 2009 Legislative Session represented a missed opportunity. For some, it represented a culmination of the work of many advocates over the years for renewable energy. We came away with a sense of commitment to get it done in 2010. We learned many lessons. We did not have a clear and concise strategy, nor did we have a unified message. So, we at FREPA have been busy engaging renewable energy developers, auxilliary industries, installers  and advocates around the state via small workshops and meetings to help develop that needed unity.   

We thank Craig Williams of FREA, Mike Antheill of FARE and FREPA policy guru Charles "Chip" Fletcher and other supporters for attending our July 30, 2009  meeting in Orlando to begin the hard work ahead. The goal was to begin the process of getting all formal renewable energy organizations in Florida on the same page with regard to policy principles. The lessons learned were again echoed by Senator Lee Constantine and Representative Keith Fitzgerald. At FREPA, we are committed to finding a way to help forge the unity needed to strengthen our message and our advocates' resolve to create the right policy mechanisms to generate green jobs in Florida. In a state economy which has a 10.7 percent unemployemnet rate, it is clearly irresponsible for our great state to leave green jobs on the table. We are urging unity. If you care to join us, please send an e-mail to [email protected]
 
And, we repeat our call. That is, please do your part and contact your elected officials. Ask that they support  the renewable energy industry in Florida by agreeing to support a Florida renewable energy standard along with the key mechanisms to sustain the industry. They need to hear from you  by clicking here  for Florida Senate  and here for Florida House . They need to know that their neighbors, entrepreneurs and renewable business interests in their districts are counting on them to do so. The future economy of our state depends on whether or not we diversify. And, renewable energy is a large part of that effort. Tourism and growth alone will not save us. Florida families need to know that our leaders are leaving no rock unturned when it comes to creating jobs in Florida. So, we urge your involvement in our mission to develop the policy landscape necessary to grow green clean-tech jobs in Florida.  Click here to Join us now! or simply Donate to  our fight to further renewable energy resources in Florida.
 
 
Regards,
Michael Dobson


 

 
 
jim King
 Soluting Senator Jim King
 
 
Dear Readers, I hope you understand my taking personal liberty to honor Senator Jim King in this writing.  
 
Over the years, I have worked with Senator King's office on a variety of issues. This lion of a senator and his staff welcomed folks as if they were family. One of my fondest memories of Senator King was working with him on behalf of the Florida March of Dimes. His commitment to children often went unsung but he was there for them because it was simply the right thing to do.
 
During the 2009 Legislative Session, I had the pleasure of meeting with Senator King to discuss the pending renewable energy bill after he was assigned the project. In his typical candor, he explained that renewable energy was a new issue for him and that he was glad to talk about it to get as much information as possible. With his quick mind and instinct for business and politics, he posed bottom-line questions to gauge the competing interests of those involved in the issue. Not one to mince words or waste time, he asked  advocates why it was important and asked some whether they had a financial interest at stake. As one learned house member once  stated about the bills he read, "98.9 percent of the legislation he reads comes down to money: who is getting it, when are they getting it, how much. or, who is losing it and how much".  Experienced legislators understand those realities and the role they play in negotiating legislation.  
 
Senator King was able to do what many legislators could not. He crafted a compromise bill on a very difficult subject. It may have been a bill which the renewable energy community was not totally happy with but the opposition did not get all they wanted either. That ability to please  and displease all parties - that give and take - is somewhat rare these days. Senator King was willing to put ideology aside on this issue by trying to balance a variety of business and environmental interests in a practical way. That was his style.
 
 
We will miss Senator King's candor and ability to cut to the chase in negotiations, his legislative skills, and his good nature. Moreover, he was a great leader with compassion for all things important to Florida. We appreciate his work on renewable energy in that classic Jim King style. I only hope that someone will pick up the torch in 2010.  
 
 
Michael Dobson
Managing Member, Dobson, Craig and Associates,LLC
President/CEO FREPA  
 
 
 
 
SIGN UP NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 18TH WORKSHOP!!
 
"Renewable Energy Project Finance and Policy Workshop"
 
Co-sponsored by:
 
K&L Gates,LLP
 
*Note: you do not have a project if you can not get it financed****
 
Join  FREPA and K&L Gates  LLP for a long awaited "Renewable Energy Project Finance and Policy Workshop"  to be  held on September 18th 2009 at The Ritz - Carlton, Grande Lakes of Orlando with a reception on the evening of the 17th. Attendees are also encouraged to attend the FREE grant writing workshop on the 17th along with a "biofuels only" project financing overview. Circumstances required some date changes (more recently from 8/21) to make this workshop come together.
 

As Florida's leader in renewable energy public policy and industry business education, FREPA is committed to making sure Florida entrepreneurs and renewable energy developers and businessmen/businesswomen have the tools needed to get the necessary funding  for their projects.
 
To do so, FREPA and its founders  has teamed up with K&L Gates LLP, an internationally recognized leader in renewable and cleantech project financing. It is one of the few firms congressional leaders confer with regarding the financial health of the industry. K&L Gates, LLP  clients consist of  some of the worlds largest renewable energy developers, cleantech manufacturers and successful entrepreneurs in the industry. Their influence and insight is helping to shape federal renewable energy policy which will be felt throughout the country.
 
K&L Gates LLP along with  FREPA and its founders is bringing this key workshop to Florida.  
 
 
 
September 17, 2009
 
Special: Grantwriting Workshop
 
1:30 -4:00-  (covering state and federal grants for energy efficiency, deployment and manufacturing)
 
Special: Ins and outs of Biofuels (only) Project Financing
 
4:00-5:15- Special session on biofuels. Project financing specific to Florida's biofuels challenges and opportunities
 
 
 
5:30-7:00 -Reception
 
7:15- 8:30 - Policy Discussion and  Dinner
This event is an update on federal and state energy policy; an announcement of   FREPA's legislative agenda; a statement  of shared policy principles between all key renewable energy organizations in Florida; the announcement of some FREPA candidate endorsements and also some  Q&A )
 
 
September 18, 2009
 
7:30- 8:30- Registration 
 
8:45 - 9:15 - Welcome and Opening Remarks 
 
FREPA President and invited guest 
 
Florida Attorney General, Bill McCollum - Invited
 
Florida Governor, Charlie Crist-Invited
 
9:30- 11:30 -  Project Financing by Fred Greguras, Esq, K&L Gates,LLP
 
 Fred Greguras
This session:High altitude insight into renewable energy project financing, renewable energy cleantech project financing, private investor financing opportunities, the venture capital community and cleantech, overview and insight into federal energy stimulus program and spending, overview of guaranteed government loans and their rules for specific project financing, purchase power agreements, items for consideration in renewable energy performa's, some Q&A
 
Will discuss financing opportunities for:
 
Energy technologies which include new energy generation technologies,new/improved or scaled up technologies,agriculture processes, research and development
 
Renewable energy/energy efficiency products, including cleantech manufacturing
 
Renewable energy/ alternative fuels projects, include electric generation and transportation fuels (biomass, wind, solar, ethanol,CNG, biodiesel)
 
Purchase Power Agreement (PPA) structure and negotiations
 
Purchase Power Agreement (PPA)to do lists
 
11:45 - 12:45 :Lunch Session
Keynote speaker-TBA
 Jeremy Susac
Jeremy Susac- Executive Director, Florida Governors Energy Office (Invited)
 
K&L Gates,LLP - Confirmed ( more Q&A) questions will be requested in writing throughout the morning specific for this session
 
 
1:00-2:15 - Governmental energy project financing (bonds, stimulus, public /private partnerships and etc)
 
K& L Gates LLP and/or Hogan Harston,LLP
 
City of Orlando
 
Florida State Board of Administration ( new growth fund)- Invited
 
Hamilton Lane-Invited
 
This session: Municipal government energy project financing and additional insight in project financing.
 
 
 
2:30-4:00 - Federal government agency energy project financing programs
 
USDA Renewable Energy Program- representative confirmed
 (name TBA)
 
Department of Energy - Invited
 
Florida Energy Office- Invited 
 
 
City of Orlando 
 
Shaw Energy Solutions - Jordanna Rubin (Invited)
jordanna 
 Jordanna Rubin
 
This session: Federal and state governmental agency renewable energy financing opportunities, Florida energy stimulus funding opportunities via grants and/or  guaranteed loans
 



 
 
 Attendence Fee:
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Non-Members $130.00 
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Members $75.00
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*Non-member University staff receive 20% discount
 
Government rate: $35.00 (members of the legislature, congress, agency staff, legislative staff ) 
 
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Students : $30.00
 
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*The Sponsorship deadlines is September 10, 2009 to allow time for printing sponsorship info in program 
 
 
 
  


 
 
 
Accomodations for Orlando Workshop on Sept 17-18:
4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32837 USA    Phone:  (407) 206-2400   Fax:  (407) 206-2401
Special room rate for attendees: $159.00
 
*please ask about special golfing rates 

 
 More Fake Letters to Congress on Energy
By STEPHANIE STROM
Published: August 18, 2009
 
Congressional investigators have uncovered five more letters sent to members of Congress that falsely claimed to be from charities expressing opposition to climate change legislation. Read More

  
Coal Group Is Linked to Fake Letters on Climate Bill
 
By STEPHANIE STROM
Published: August 4, 2009
 
A trade group representing coal producers and power companies says that it indirectly hired a lobbying firm that sent fake letters to lawmakers purporting to be from nonprofit groups opposed to climate-change legislation.Read More

Beach Council gives tentative OK to windmill regulations
 
 
By Aaron Applegate
The Virginian-Pilot
� August 19, 2009
VIRGINIA BEACH
Come next month, getting city approval to install a windmill at your home or business will be pretty easy. Just fill out some paperwork. No unpredictable public hearings or expensive permits, as long as you only want one turbine and it's less than 35 feet tall in residential areas.Read More

Rwanda telecoms power base stations with solar
Tuesday, 18 August 2009 18:19 By Kabona Esiara
 
Telecommunication operators in Rwanda are investing in alternative sources of energy to power their base stations. Both Rwandatel and MTN Rwanda say, the move will stave off high power costs and ensure constant power supply. Read More

A Venture Capitalist View of the Top 5 Entrepreneurial Energy Opportunities
August 18, 2009 05:07 PM ET | Steve King
 
Accel Partners is one of Silicon Valley's premier venture capital firms. Over the 25 years that it has been in business, Accel has funded way too many successful start-up companies to list here. Read More

 


Waste Management spent $220K lobbying gov't in 2Q
mzu-srs, 08.18.09, 03:26 PM EDT 
 
WASHINGTON -- Waste Management Inc. spent $220,000 in the second quarter to lobby Congress on electronic waste, a gas pipeline tax credit, gas-to-energy and other issues, according to a recent disclosure report. Read More



Majority of Texans Want More Renewable Power - Survey

By SustainableBusiness.com - Matter Network

A new survey shows that a vast majority of Texas residents believe it's important for the state to develop and use renewable energy--even if it costs them more on their monthly electric bills. 
Read More

Home-Energy Plan Spreads Out Costs 

 
By NOAH BUHAYAR
BABYLON, N.Y. -- Town employees have fanned out across this Long Island suburb this summer, armed with free water bottles and beer cozies and a simple pitch: going green can save green, especially with low-interest financing from the town.
Read More

Green Growth: Are Feed-in Tariffs the Answer?
A Washington Monthly / Big Ideas for a New America Event
President Barack Obama has touted a robust green energy sector as our best chance of jumpstarting the economy, putting Americans back to work, and securing our nation's standing in a post-carbon world. Yet the renewable energy industry has been among the hardest hit by the current downturn. Read More

EPA to declare CO2 a dangerous pollutant

Carbon dioxide will soon be declared a dangerous pollutant - a move that could help propel slow-moving climate-change legislation on  Capitol Hill, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency said Monday.
Read More

Energy From Sea Water? Consider IBM Intrigued
IBM's Almaden Lab wants to prepare a proposal to study osmotic pressure gradients, said Spike Narayan, functional manager, science and tech, at IBM's Almaden Research Center.Read More
 
Palo Alto plans for electric car boom
By Will Oremus

Daily News Staff Writer
Posted: 08/31/2009 11:00:00 PM PDT
Updated: 09/01/2009 09:40:18 AM PDT
 
When it comes to energy policy, electric cars may be best known for the impacts they don't have. They don't require foreign oil, and they don't spew greenhouse gases.Read More
 
Venture Firm's 'Green' Funds Top $1 Billion
 
By CLAIRE CAIN MILLER
Published: August 31, 2009
MENLO PARK, Calif. - Vinod Khosla, the prominent venture capitalist who has been investing hundreds of millions of his own dollars in green technology companies for the last several years, will now invest other people's money, too. Read More

American Electric Technologies Accelerates Push in Renewable Energy Market With Two New Leadership Appointments
HOUSTON, Aug. 31, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Electric Technologies, Inc.
(Nasdaq:AETI), the premium provider of power infrastructure solutions for the
traditional and renewable energy industries, announced today the appointment of
two new executives focused on accelerating the company's penetration in the wind
and solar markets.Read More

FREPA MEMBER NEWS
 
A $200-million electrical generating plant that was to be built in Tallahassee will now be built in Port St. Joe. The Northwest Florida Renewable Energy Center, owned and operated by the Georgia-based Biomass Gas and Electric Co., will gasify some 735 tons of wood waste a day to generate about 42 megawatts of power after its completion, estimated for sometime in 2011. (from Florida Trend)
 

 

 
Please contact our office by phone at (850) 222-0441 or e-mail us at [email protected], [email protected] or  [email protected] for additional information about FREPA.  
 
Sincerely,
 
Michael Dobson
Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association
WWW.Floridaenergyproducers.com