|
FREPA ASKS GOVERNOR CRIST TO ADD RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARDS (RPS) TO SPECIAL SESSION CALL TO INCLUDE IT ON NOVEMBER 2010 BALLOT
May 14, 2010
Office of Governor Charlie Crist
State of Florida
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Dear Governor Crist:
Thank you for your support of renewable energy policy in Florida. The Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association (FREPA) wholeheartedly supports your call for a Special Legislative Session to consider a constitutional ban on oil drilling off the Florida coastline and new laws requiring more of the state's energy be produced by solar and other renewable sources.
Although the recent legislative bills fell short of critical industry goals for establishing a viable market, FREPA generally supports the increase of renewable energy generation by investor-owned utilities intended by the 2010 legislatures Energy Bill (HB 7229). We believe that "ultimately" the legislation did not create a sustainable policy infrastructure which encourages competition and dependability within the renewable energy market. The bill did not allow for a competitive market. We have always maintained that a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) is the best way to encourage more renewable energy production that stems from independent renewable energy developers and energy industry businesses such as those that are in the solar industry. Consequently, we have begun working with citizens, organizations and supporters to pursue a constitutional ballot initiative to establish a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS). It is clear now that the Florida Legislature is unwilling to pursue a renewable job creation policy that generates competition for independent renewable energy developers to place energy projects in Florida. Currently, the inability to get Purchase Power Agreements (PPA) has been a death knell to the renewable energy industry in Florida. The inability of biomass, waste to energy and solar projects (large and small) to secure PPA's and the absolute denial of access to the electric grid for renewable projects throughout most of Florida has hamstrung the state's renewable energy industry for decades. An RPS is a proven policy and has worked to provide more grid access for independent producers around the country.
Given the reticence of legislators and utilities to support an RPS policy, we believe the people should decide through a ballot initiative. FREPA and other supporters ask that the RPS ballot initiative be part of the call for the Special Legislative Session, along with the constitutional ban on oil drilling and other renewable energy proposals.
Again, we appreciate your efforts to protect Florida's treasured coastline, our precious resources and the use of renewable energy.
Sincerely,
Michael Dobson, President
Cc: Kathy Mears
|
