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Renewable Energy In Florida
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Who has clean hands?
Let Floridians Decide On renewable Energy Policy
Let the people decide
Op-ed
OJ Simpson's White Ford Bronco has returned.
No, its not traveling down the Santa Monica Freeway in Southern California, but it's in the Gulf of Mexico. For the world, the environmental disaster in the gulf is the new White Ford Bronco. It's the same as that iconic image that we could not take our eyes off of some years ago. The image, the moment and the emotional malasse is reincarnated in the form of an oil leakage (or gusher) from a terrible accident which neither British Petroleum (BP) nor the Federal government can get a handle on, while in "slow motion", we have been watching oil creep upon the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida killing wildlife, sea life and American jobs... and thus destroying the hopes of American families. It's the traffic accident that we cannot turn away from watching. And today, there is evidence that this will play in a number of political campaigns wherever elected leaders pushed for offshore oil drilling just a year ago off of our pristine beaches .
But still and telling, in Florida we have no renewable energy policy after our legislature was heavily courted by well financed off shore oil drilling interest. Their effort stymied the boldest attempt ever in Florida to develop an energy policy that mandated a desire to place renewable energy as a priority. In 2009, HB 7135 passed the senate and became a political football as the oil lobby wanted to add language to allow oil drilling between 3 and 10 miles off the Florida coast. Yes, between 3 and 10 miles off of the coast of Florida! Can you believe it, in light of what we now see on CNN?
Many steadfastly pushed this idea to the surprise of Floridians who could not fathom why policymakers would take on such a third rail issue in the state of Florida, a peninsula state with its number one revenue generator being its beautiful beaches whereby tourist from around the globe come visit. All of this.. while bestowing the merits of off shore oil drilling as so safe that it could never hurt the main industry of Florida, which is our tourist industry. Now all of that seems questionable, at best. And in the rubble of the truth (as we now know it), we still have not moved to develop a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) in Florida.
Now, to be honest, renewable energy policy will not get America completely off of its addiction to oil. Oil is intertwined into our daily lives in ways that many of us do not think about as consumers. Most of us will pull into a gas station this weekend, fill up our tanks and go to the beach and try to dodge the tar balls. But, what we CAN DO is develop renewable energy policy that make us LESS dependent on fossil fuel, develop a more home grown energy industry that is safe, that is reliable and that is built on natural resources such as Florida sun, Florida agriculture, forestry and American know how. Moreover, it would unleash the entrepreneurial spirit that our country has been known for. It will better engage our universities whom are working to speed up renewable technologies and allow renewable energy businessmen to put proven technologies onto our electric grids, therefore eliminating the strangle hold that now exist which keep independent developers of renewable energy at bay. Regarding the current oil industry snafu? We really need to take the time and effort to find out what happened, make drilling safer and protect Florida's coast from it.
In 2007, the Governor signed an Executive Order to create renewable energy and energy efficiency mandates. The legislature then directed the Public Service Commission to submit its proposal for renewable energy policy to them for approval in January 2009. The summers of 2007 and 2008 were spent by the PSC hearing testimony, collecting data, commissioning research and gathering information for a Florida renewable energy policy. The PSC's proposal to the legislature in 2009 was then rejected whole cloth and evolved into a vehicle for more nuclear energy and a push for additional off shore oil drilling.
During the most recent legislative session, the legislature did not attempt to even address the passage of an Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) , which is a policy adopted by 30 other states, which has allowed them to develop a robust renewable energy industry. Nor did Florida pass a clean energy fund, which is a policy that allows Floridians to do what they said they would do in poll after poll to support renewable energy by establishing a dedicated funding source for renewable energy. So, while we watch the new version of the Ford Bronco from OJ Simpson fame, the Florida legislature should at least place the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards and the Clean Energy Fund on the ballot this November for the voters to decide. Our citizens want to move beyond slogans and have a robust renewable energy policy in Florida and we suggest that the legislators give them that option in a special session.
While we are glued to our television, doing what my grandmother would call.. rubber necking, there are things we can do. We are not powerless. On renewable energy, let the people decide!
Author: Michael Dobson, President, Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association and Managing Member of Dobson, Craig and Associates
Call the following and ask them to address renewable energy policy in a special session: Representative Larry Creutal -Dist (352) 873-6564, Tallahassee (850) 488-1450
Representative Dean Cannon-Dist (407)623-4740, Tallahassee (850) 488-2742 Senator Jeff Atwater - Dist:( 561) 625-5101, Tallahassee Senator Mike Haridopolos - Dist:(321) 752-3131, Tallahassee: (850) 487-5056
**Ask them to let the voters decide on renewable energy policy by putting RPS and Public Benefits Fund on the ballot for November 2010 during a special session |
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THIRD ANNUAL SUNSHINE STATE RENEWABLE ENERGY EXPO AND SYMPOSIUM
After changes in the original dates, FREPA is hosting its Third Annual Sunshine State Renewable Energy Expo in Orlando Florida at the Rosen Plaza Hotel on July 14th-15th.
The meetings focus will be on policy and renewable energy project financing strategies. There will also be a focus on the newly formed non partisan organization "Florida Green Energy Initiative's" renewable energy ballot measure for Florida. This is your opportunity to learn more, meet the team and get involved.
FREPA is now accepting applications for new board members and/or sub-committee members. If you are interested in serving on a committee or participating on our board or be an advisor, please send your bio to Cynthia@Floridaenergyproducers.com
AGENDA
July 14, 2010
RECEPTION 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
July 15, 2010
Registration Sign In -7am-9:30
8:00 a.m. -9:00 a.m. - (Reservations Only) -Breakfast session
About Florida Renewable Energy Statewide Ballot Initiative: What it is, an overview of the plan, introduction to the team and how you can help . E-mail Michael@floridaenergyproducers.com to reserve a place for this special session
9:15 a.m.-9:40-
Welcome and Opening Remarks-Michael Dobson - FREPA President
Introduce guest speaker (s) and acknowledge FREPA members in attendance that are current members of the legislature and also candidates
Note:Speakers will provide comments on key place renewable energy will need to play into Florida's economy in the future and to outline challenges policy makers need help with from renewable energy community as the days agenda is pursued
Florida State Representative Keith Fitzgerald -Invited
Florida State Senator Lee Constantine - Invited
Florida State Representative Geraldine Thompson
9:45 a.m.- 10:15 a.m. - Announcement of joint policy goals in the form of a joint statement and discussion of mutual public policy goals of Florida's key renewable energy associations and advocacy groups
Michael Dobson
Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association
Mike Anteil
Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy
Bruce Kershner
Florida Solar Energy Industries Association
Jeremy Susac
Florida Biofuels Association
10:20- 11:00- Update on federal and state policy: renewable electric generation, biofuels, green building, sustainable communities, energy efficient materials
George Cavoros-Invited
Jordana Rubin , Shaw Energy Solutions- Invited
Florida Green Building - Representative (TBA)
11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m.- Renewable project financing, PPA's ,contracting and its intersection with public policy
12:00 a.m. -1:30 p.m. - Lunch session and keynote Address
Project Financing and overview of current Grant opportunities:
An overview of current trends, opportunities and strategies to overcoming obstacles for project financing. Project finance ins and outs. Overview of State and Federal grant opportunities
Moderators:
Nicole Walker Esq, Verte Advisors
S. Haseed Quadri, Novasol Energy
Michael Dobson, FREPA
Stern Brothers
Joe Mueller-Invited
Keynote Address
Florida CFO, Alex Sink-Invited/pending schedule review
Candidate for Governor of the State of Florida
Governor Charlie Crist-Invited
Keynote and Guest Speaker
State Representative, Michelle Rewhinkle Vasalinda -confirmed
FREPA Member
Prime sponsor of key renewable energy policy in 2010 legislative session
1:45. - 2:30 p.m. (Session A) Messaging specific to communicating with Florida lawmakers and fighting NIMBY.
Also, how do you prepare for organized NIMBY when it occurs with your project
 Honey Rand
Environmental PR
Alisa Snow
Snow Strategies,LLC
Other presenter TBA
1:45-2:30 (Session B) Commercial and residential Solar Installation and lessons learned: marketing, financing,project development in commercial sector and installment tips in commercial and residential
Presenters -TBA
-Still accepting proposals
2:40- 3:50 (Session A) Biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel) , waste to fuels, its infrastructure, cost and research update : Give overview of status on energy crop production in US and Florida, project opportunities and challenges, overview on specific research to commercialization in biofuels business space and up date on transportation fuels infrastructure coupled with discussion of policy needs
Dr. Tawainga Katsvairo-pending
Dr. Anne Wilkie- Invited
University of Florida
Firstcoast Biofuels- Invited
Steven Webster and Peggy Mathews - Invited
Principals, MW Consulting
Tex Carter or David King - Invited (pending)
NPE/INEOS
Ethnergy International- Invited
2:40 - 3:40 (Session B) The power of wind in Florida, various wind technologies being pursued specific to Florida, update on Florida wind projects, policies that promote it and where it fits unto our renewable energy portfolio.
Jamie Schlinkmann- Inerjy (invited)
Sebastian Studer- World wide Wind Development (invited)
3:15- 4:45- When public and private sector lead by example: Corporate sustainability, local government sustainability and renewable energy efforts and opportunities to partner, when utilities lead
Nicole Walker, Esq- Verte Advisors
Lori Cunnif - Invited (pending)
Orange County Government
Environmental protection
Jennifer Szaro - Invited
Orange County Utilities Commission
Progress Energy-Invited
University of Central Florida Venture Lab- pending confirmation
4:50 Closing remarks by Michael Dobson, President
****5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
Candidate Interviews by FREPA PAC members
Rosen Plaza Hotel
9700 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Toll Free 1 (800) 627-8258
(407) 996-9700
Fax: (407) 354-5774
All FREPA members receive an additional 25% off attendance/registration fee
Pay Registration Online Here
Special room rate is $99.00
BE A SPONSOR
Visit this page to become a sponsor
Benefits:
Priority placement of name and logo on conference website, conference and promotional materials.
Recognition at all meals
Dignified and appropriate signage recognizing sponsorship
Complimentary exhibit table & registration
Opening reference in all media advisories
$5,000 - PLATINUM SPONSOR
Two (2) complimentary exhibit booths (for car dealers: two spaces to exhibit flexfuel, hybrid vehicles)
Two complimentary attendee passes for all event activities
Priority placement of company name and logo displayed on sponsor banner
during conference and on FREPA website with link
Full page ad in program booklet which will be available statewide
Name listed in all event advertising
Name and logo listed on event display board at entrance of event
Recognition at all meals and event advertising
Company insert in event registration bag
One (1) complimentary exhibit booth (for car dealers: One space to exhibit flexfuel, hybrid vehicles)
One (1) complimentary attendee passes for all event activities
Company logo displayed on a sponsor banner during event
Half page ad in program booklet
Company insert in event registration bag
One (1) complimentary exhibit booth (subject to availability)
For car dealers, one space to exhibit flexfuel, hybrid vehicles
One (1) complimentary attendee passes for all event activities
Company logo displayed on a sponsor banner
Quarter page ad in program booklet
Company insert in event registration bag
One (1) complimentary exhibit booth (subject to availability)
Company logo displayed on a sponsor banner during event
Company name displayed on a sponsor banner during the event
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Watch key industry interviews:HERE
Watch:
E&E reporter Alex Kaplun discusses California, Nevada, Arkansas Senate races.
Deloitte's Stanislaw discusses new report on clean energy options
Natural Resources Defense Council's Wesley Warren discusses policy options following spill, cleanup in Gulf
Electrification Coalition's Sam Ori discusses role of incentives in new House, Senate bills
Exelon Senior Vice President David Brown discusses the impact of the Murkowski disapproval resolution on the climate debate
Institute for 21st Century Energy President Karen Harbert assesses state of U.S. energy security
National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe says industry at risk of collapsing without tax credit extension
Former Alaska Commissioner of Environmental Conservation Dennis Takahashi-Kelso assesses spill damage
National Petrochemical & Refiners Association's Greg Scott says climate bill will tax Americans for gas use
Pew Center on Global Climate Change President Eileen Claussen discusses political hurdles facing Kerry-Lieberman bill
Articles:
Billboards set for alternative energy
By BOB KOSLOW, Staff Writer
DAYTONA BEACH -- A couple of hundred local billboards are included in one of the nation's largest renewable-energy-conversion projects. Lamar Advertising recently announced plans to spend $12.5 million over the next two years to add small wind- and solar-power generating systems on 1,370 large roadside billboard across Florida in eight markets, including Daytona Beach.
Oil Spill May Spur Action on Energy, Probably Not on Climate
WASHINGTON - Images of gushing oil and dying pelicans in the Gulf of Mexico have stirred anger and agony in Washington. But are they enough to prod the Senate to act on long-delayed clean energy and climate change legislation?
Read More
Ethanol startups hope oil spill opens the investor pipeline
By Susan Salisbury Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
With oil prices hovering around a modest $70 a barrel, coupled with the poor economy, ethanol startups have had difficulty attracting investors.
Now the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico could help change that. The horror of the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill has focused more attention on the need for alternative fuels, Florida companies planning to produce ethanol say.
Read More
Florida PSC Approves 100-MW Biomass Power Plant
Florida, United States -- Florida's Public Service Commission (FPS) last week approved Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) and American Renewables' joint petition for the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center, a planned 100-megawatt (MW) biomass power plant that will be located in Gainesville, Florida.
Md. renewable energy goals face obstacles
By Capital News Service
ADAM KERLIN
ANNAPOLIS - Maryland has an ambitious goal of producing 20 percent of its electricity with renewable resources by 2022.Read More
Oil Spill May Spur Action on Energy, Probably Not on Climate
By JOHN M. BRODERPublished: June 12, 2010
WASHINGTON - Images of gushing oil and dying pelicans in the Gulf of Mexico have stirred anger and agony in Washington. But are they enough to prod the Senate to act on long-delayed clean energy and climate change legislation?
Gates, business leaders call for US to triple spending on clean energy research
WASHINGTON (AP) - Billionaire Bill Gates is urging the government to triple spending on what he says everyone, rich and poor, will need in the future: clean, cheap energy.
Read More
S.1733 - Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act
A bill to create clean energy jobs, promote energy independence, reduce global warming pollution, and transition to a clean energy economy.Read More
Crist's confusing signals on renewable energy
By:Bruce Ritchie
Gov. Charlie Crist keeps saying that he wants to take up renewable energy legislation in a possible special session that would also deal with offshore oil drilling.Read More
Not Dead, Only Resting? The Climate Bill
By JOHN M. BRODER
A popular parlor game in Washington is trying to figure out whether the Deepwater Horizon oil spill has helped or hurt chances for passage of comprehensive energy and climate change legislation.Read More
Oil NO, INNOVATION YES.
by Bruce Mulliken, Green Energy News
Opening new areas to offshore drilling seems unlikely now, given the obvious potential for environmental disaster as witnessed by the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Read More
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Join FREPA today or simply make a donation of support. Download NEW membership app HERE. The membership page on FREPA site is being updated to reflect new dues structure which better aligns with membership as refelected in the application linked. Donations could be made with same form. Please allow 24 hrs for all credit card s to be processed.
Michael Dobson
Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association
WWW.Floridaenergyproducers.com
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