Renewable Energy In Florida
|
|
|
"IGNITE"
Volume 14 January -February 2011
Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association E-News
|
|
Getty Images
President Obama ask us to cease our Sputnik moment at 2011 State of Union address |
Creating Renewable Energy and Clean-Tech Jobs, Our Sputnik Moment
Dear Members and Supporters,
Welcome to IGNITE, the FREPA E-newsletter. And, much belated Happy New Year to all. We hope that you and your family have a healthy and prosperous year.
Let us begin by congratulating our new Governor, Governor Rick Scott and this writers good friend Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll. We also congratulate Sen. Haridopolis and Rep. Dean Cannon as they take the helm of the Florida Senate and House of Representatives (respectively) to lead us in the legislative branch. FREPA and its members look forward to providing them with credible information from the industry and educational material as needed to be of assistance as our leaders search for solutions that will create jobs and allow Florida to utilize its natural resources to enhance our economy and lift up our communities.. particularly rural communities. We also welcome FREPA member Rep. Michelle Rewhinkle back to the House E nergy and Utilities Sub-Committee in the Florida House of Representatives along with other returning members of the house. She and the others will be a great asset to Sub-Committee Chairman Rep. Clay Ford who, as a panhandle/costal legislator, knows first hand the importance of protecting our beaches and understands the economic fallout when our pristine environment is threatened. In the Florida House of Representative, we also welcome back Rep. Seth Mckeel who is the Chairman of the State Affairs Committee for which the Energy and Utilities Committee is a sub-committee. Rep. McKeel has spent the last four years or more on the House Energy Committee where he has developed a level of expertise in energy policy. FREPA also congratulate Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto. She is the Chairwoman of the Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee in the Florida Senate.
Not unlike individuals, FREPA has also made new years resolutions. This year we will sharpen our focus even more on the business side of renewable energy as opposed to its altruism. That will be done with a laser like focus on project financing, being a resource for investors seeking viable Florida projects, financial tools for renewable deployment and manufacturing. Additionally, it will include a thorough compilation of research and industry data to enhance the quality of our conversation with policy makers. All of this will be done with a keen focus on job creation. In the past few years, all too often many of us have approached renewable energy advocacy as though altruism alone is enough to move mountains. As a result, the business realities and opportunities that form the serious discussions about renewable energy has been often overlooked. The business of renewable energy is not merely altruism, instead it includes meeting our future energy demands in a more sustainable way that does not pollute our planet while allowing us to maintain our standard of living at a cost that does not make us less competitive. And, at a cost that does not burden American households. The issues of cost and its effect on competitiveness are real concerns for many who support renewable energy. But, is that a legitimate concern or is it propaganda? What are the facts? These are discussions we must have and deliberate with unbiased facts so that our leaders can get us to where we all want to be. It is our belief that Florida legislators want Florida to lead in renewable energy job creation. We simply have to help provide a roadmap that considers all hard realities and legitimate as well as illegitimate concerns.
In recent years, we advocates have done a great job of promoting our industry and the pursuit of a lifestyle that upholds sustainable living as a utopia that we all would like to achieve for the good of the planet. But we have fallen short at making the case for the investment. After much reflection, perhaps its because we sometimes believe that the technology "literally" speaks for itself. As a result, perhaps we have not done the best job at identifying adequate return on investment and/or raw job numbers up front. We at FREPA will work with others to do better. Our new governor has made jobs his primary mission.. now here is our chance. In Washington, President Obama has redoubled his commitment to transforming our economy with the clean tech jobs that will come from new innovations spurned by our need and desire to solve our earths energy needs. Governor Rick Scott has made it his promise to get Florida back to work. Shame on us if we cannot provide the information needed to help our leaders realize how investing in renewable energy,sustainability and the clean tech industry can help get Floridians working again. At FREPA, we are committed to policy that level the playing field for independent renewable energy producers and foster investment in renewable deployment and cleantech manufacturing. Essentially, we are committed to making Florida the southeastern leader in renewable energy using our natural resources and clean tech innovation by securing the policy infrastructure that allows the renewable energy industry to grow and prosper.
We have a tremendous opportunity to go a long way at overcoming some hurdles in developing renewable energy policy by simply being clear about the jobs, the investment, the return and what it would require of citizens. We will also need to find ways to communicate to our leaders the critical need for long-term strategic thinking with respect to renewable energy policy. One could argue that culturally and politically, decision makers are locked into a system designed for short-term solutions when long-term strategies are needed. Perhaps, its because of the short length of time between campaigns, term-limits and/or our capitalist systems desire for fast returns on an investment. So to be successful, we can not employ traditional thought. We must challenge lawmakers to not only look at renewable policy in terms of what world their constituents and children will inherit but also what world their grandchildren will inherit.
On a personal note, I cannot over emphasize how important it is for us that FREPA be an effective business organization that properly identifies the needs of their members and potential members .... not simply another so called "greenie group" that begs conservative policymakers to take them seriously. Renewable energy and clean tech innovation is big business and it is here to stay. It is incumbent upon us to take it more seriously...not just some feel good hobby, which I fear is the image some of our groups (FREPA included) may have presented to decision makers. And, it is important that we renewable energy policy leaders not treat our associations like it was a 1970's style good idea to ride some wave of green jobs hysteria with dollar signs in our eyes and end up with no real staying power... to simply whimper away. I'm saying all of this to simply say that, this is a fight for the long haul. As new organizations, we have "at times" been very shortsighted. In some cases, we have acted as though all we have to do is have a rally in Tallahassee, announce a tour of solar roof tops, hold an annual conference, make announcements, host a few meetings and all will happen over night. It's not going to happen that way. All of those things have been important as we have worked to get attention to the industry and better educate its practitioners as well as some policy makers. But, it is now time to take our efforts to a different level. So, as harsh as this may sound, I challenge us all. I challenge us to rise to the occasion and beyond our own rhetoric. Real change in the industry will require a focused long-term business approach to the problem. It will require a financial commitment as well. Such financial commitment could be in the form of you simply supporting a candidate who will make a difference, join a renewable energy related PAC and contribute, join an association, assist a renewable organization with its needs or simply be available to call lawmakers when asked. FREPA is committed to the long haul and the long view. We want to make sure that the membership payment is a positive investment and one which can be tracked to an increase in your bottom-line. We want to make sure that we are a net positive with regard to your cash flow when it is all said and done. In todays Saint Petersburg Times, there is an article titled: As the North is blanketed with snow, its sunny in Florida-but is that enough? read article . The question for me is are we ready to step up to the plate... I say we must and we are.
We are striving to make a difference. Sometimes that means that FREPA has to take on rather large challenges... calculated challenges to move the industry forward. FREPA continues its work on the 2012 Florida Green Energy Initiative because its clear to us that Florida's industry will not take off without a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) and the ballot is the only option. FREPA also looks forward to hosting its 4th Annual Sunshine State Renewable Energy Expo in Tallahassee along with its co-host, the Gulf Coast Energy Network. We also ask that you keep abreast of the activities of the PSC, the Department of Agriculture under the leadership of Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putman along with congress the actions of the EPA. Federal activity is rather fluid.
Thank you for taking the time to read our 2011 opening note. We sincerely wish you and your families well.
Warm regards,
Michael Dobson
|
Reactions to President Obama's State of the Union Address
Politics: The State of the Union Is All About Eneregy- Not Climate
Tonight's State of the Union may be remembered as the moment when the White House stopped working on climate-and started working on energy.Read More
Which Energy Industries Would You Subsidize?
Subsidies and tax breaks are a tried and true way of helping a developing industry get up on its feet.Read More
Obama: U.S. Must Compete
Citing Global Jobs Race, President Calls for Spending Cuts But Also New Initiatives
WASHINGTON-President Barack Obama used his State of the Union address Tuesday to ask the nation to meet the challenges of a global economy, framing what he called a competitiveness agenda that includes traditional Democratic proposals like increased education spending, alongside gestures to Republicans seeking deep budget cuts.Read More
Obama Agenda: the reviews are in
Why green energy still needs Uncle Sam's help
Congressmen react to Obama comments on energy in State of the Union Address
|
Policy Thoughts on Renewable Energy.... from U.S politicians to China
Best political ad from a Governor in support of renewable energy for job creation
New Jersey Governor Chris Christy Renewable Energy Proposal
Governor Scotts campaign ad for jobs
Here
What Governor Rick Scott and other governors think about energy and oil policy
Here
What is China doing?
China Adding 500 Gigawatts of Renewable Power by 2020!!
China's New National Plan
Chinese President Hu Jintao's recent visit with President Obama on energy
US-China energy dealmaking |
Dear Renewable Energy Friends and Supporters:
Please accept this writing as another clarion call to: Florida Farmers, solar contractors, solar technology installers, renewable project developers, those in the legal profession focusing on renewable energy regulation, PPA negotiators, researchers, biofuels producers, engineering firms, industrial construction companies, architects, electricians, roofers, economic development councils, chamber of commerces and all who are eager to have Florida lead in establishing a robust renewable energy industry.. It is now time for you to act and be serious if you are to have renewable energy policy in Florida. The FREPA founded, Florida Green Energy Initiative is our best shot and require your support.
Over the last 40 years, Washington has failed to act on renewable energy... locked in the grips of big oil, some large utilities, their lobbyist and the status quo. In Florida, the same has held true. Over the last four years (or more) Florida's renewable energy business organizations, environmentalist and their activist have worked diligently to get renewable energy legislation passed. They have been working with both political parties, the governors office and with other appropriate agencies to secure a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard and a Public Benefits Fund policy for Florida. Additionally, the summers of 2007 and 2008 were spent meeting with and addressing the Florida Public Service Commission which ultimately secured a study by Navigant (a private consulting company) at tax payer's expense to identify Florida's renewable energy resources and to outline what is possible with regard to creating a renewable energy industry in Florida. Recommendations from the findings were submitted to the legislature. It was done so only to have the Florida legislature all but ignore the work and their suggestions .... to push for off shore oil drilling and nuclear energy instead.
Time and time again, the Florida legislature has failed to pass or even hear renewable energy policy in its committees and on the floor, as explained here . Legislators who champion the renewable energy industry has seen their legislation simply languish because leadership is simply not interested in taking it on. Opponents has voiced support in public and worked to kill measurers behind the scenes. And, on many occasions renewable energy groups has cannibalized each other.. therefore making the renewable energy industry easy pickings to divide and conquer. Legislative bodies in America is the opponent's domain. It is where the renewable energy industry cannot compete. One could argue that, this new industry cannot compete with the historic relationships tied by money and blood throughout American politics. This is not a new story; it is an American story that is as old as the first combustion engine and our first utility with the advent of the light bulb.
That is why it is crystal clear that the only way forward in Florida is with a constitutional amendment for renewable energy. To not accept that fact may be considered na�ve or simply wishful thinking. Since key opponents of renewable energy have not been overtaken by an alien creature with special mind bending powers, it is not likely that any hearts are minds will change in our legislature enough to pass a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard or a Public Benefits Fund. However, we must and will continue making our case in Tallahassee. So friends, the wolf is certainly at our door and it is now time to get serious about renewable energy policy in Florida. The voters have overwhelmingly stated over and over that they support renewable energy. So, it is up to us to give them a chance to vote on it.
We need your contribution to the Florida Green Energy Initiative today. We are asking for contributions of $75, $100, 150, $200, $250 and up to $5000 or more. The website at www.floridaenergyinitiative.org under repair and will be back up on February 5, 2011. There is no limit to how much you contribute to this important cause. The success of the renewable energy industry in Florida depends on you. It is clear; we can not depend on our legislature to change its stripes regarding renewable energy policy. The only reason that there was a debate at all was the fear of the Federal government perhaps forcing the State legislatures hands. Now that the Federal RES legislation has been all but taken off the table, the Florida legislature no longer have a reason to even lend such polices lip service. We urge your contribution now to the Florida Green Energy Initiative. And, we urge you to join our organizing committee. All checks should be mailed to 3491 Thomasville Rd #11-110, Tallahassee, Fl 32309 to the attention of Nancy Harrison, Treasurer and made out to the Florida Green Energy Initiative or FGEI or pay here online (as donation). Please help the industry you care about get a real foot hold in Florida by supporting this cause to place the question on the ballot for voters to voice their support in 2012. We must start now. We need your support. Michael Dobson Chairman
Florida Green Energy Initiative |
Spreading the Word
FREPA Luncheon Series
For Discussion:
Florida's renewable enery future and discussion on Green Energy Initiative
FREPA Big Bend Chapter, Tallahassee Florida - February 7, 2011 Double Tree Hotel
FREPA West Florida February 11, 2011 Pensacola Florida- location TBA
FREPA Central Florida - February 17, 2011
UCF Florida Gulf Coast February 28, 2011 Ft. Myer/Sarasota Region- location TBA FREPA South Florida Chapter- March 1, 2011 Miami-TBA
No fee.. only pay for your meal ...which you get to order To reserve a seat or ask questions contact us via email at [email protected] or call (850) 363-4122
|
Energy Business News Articles
The Peak Oil Catastrophe-in-waiting
The United States continues to slumber while a catastrophe lies in wait. Increasing numbers of analysts and policymakers are warning of another super price spike for oil and the likelihood of "peak oil" more generally. Read More
Solar Investors Should Be Bullish on Oil
Solar investors know there are all sorts of risks investing in solar stocks. There's the risk of reduced government subsidies like we've seen in Germany, Wall Street analysts hammering the industry, and the constant risk of oversupply. But the thing that solar investors should keep an eye on is the prices of natural gas, coal, and oil, in particular. If these three sources of energy, which provide most of our electricity and vehicle fuel, are cheap, solar simply doesn't stand a chance.
Read More
Pentagon Must 'Buy American,' Barring Chinese Solar Panels HONG KONG - The military authorization law signed by
President Obama on Friday contains a little-noticed "Buy American" provision for the Defense Department purchases of solar panels - a provision that is likely to dismay Chinese officials as President Hu Jintao prepares to visit the United States next week. Read More
GE Invests in Wind Farm
Zacks Equity Research, On Tuesday January 11, 2011
GE Energy Financial Services, a division of
General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE - News), and Bankers Commercial Corporation have jointly purchased the 150 MW Alta Wind I wind farm in Tehachapi, in Kern County, California.Read More
Stress, Pollution and Poverty: A Vicious Cycle?
The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $7 million in grants to researchers to study the cumulative health impact of pollutants like mercury and lead and social factors like stress and poor nutrition in several low-income communities, the agency said Tuesday.Read More
Much-Touted Cellulosic Ethanol Is Late in Making Mandated Appearance
By DINA FINE MARON
A projected shortfall in the production of an important green energy alternative could hurt U.S. efforts to move away from fossil fuels, a ClimateWireanalysis has found. Read More
Edison signs deals for seven new solar power plants
The facilities, to be completed by 2016, would more than double the utility's electricity-generating capacity from solar projects. A 325-megawatt photovoltaic installation in Rosamond, Calif., would be one of the nation's largest.
By Ronald D. White, Los Angeles Times
Southern California Edison has signed contracts with two companies for the construction and operation of seven solar power plants in the state, including one that the utility said would be among the largest single solar photovoltaic installations in the U.S. Read More
Bill would count existing dams as renewable energy Read More
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would make it easier for utilities to meet the standard for renewable energy production, a proposal that conservationists say would make the standard meaningless.
Pew's Cuttino says stronger global policy could spur multitrillion-dollar investments
Pew Charitable Trusts' Phyllis Cuttino discusses policy options for clean energy investments.View Now
Environmental & Energy TV Video Guide
View Your Favorite Here
Environment and Energy News Network
View news here
Green Lobby Weighs 'Political Realities' of Energy Policy, Finds 'Clean Energy Standard' Isn't So Bad
The wind industry's largest trade group a few months ago rejected the idea of a "clean power" mandate on utilities that included nuclear, some coal and natural gas as options. But American Wind Energy has a new opinion today. Read More
Business Insights: State level political desire needed for a federal mechanism for renewable energy
Jan 20, 2011 - But not all states have taken it forward, fearing damaging the coal industry and the resultant political fallout, suggests a new report into the US state by state electricity market outlook from independent market analyst, Business Insights. Read More
|
News Links of Interest
*the following links are being added to te FREPA site
Energy Politics
|
Register Now
to
attend
The Fourth Annual
Sunshine State Renewable Energy Expo and Symposium
To be held at
The Mary Brogan Museum of Tallahassee
Host by FREPA
Co-host: The Gulf Coast Energy Network Here
EVENT THEME:
"Bringing clarity to the renewable energy policy debate in Florida. What are the realities, the facts and what are simply myths ... and how does Florida not be left behind and lead instead while remaining a competitive leader for jobs, business growth and innovation"
CLICK HERE TO GO TO EXPO WEBSITE
*keep checking for 2011 agenda
Agenda
March 14, 2011 Reception at Mary Brogan Museum 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. March 15, 2011 Roundtables and breakout sessions 8:00 - 12:00
Subject areas:
- Project financing for capital intense projects
- A review of the current financial market for renewable energy and clean tech innovation (can only speak to a moment in time and a review of what we anticipate as trends as the economy recovers)
- Opportunities for Federal grant funding and Q&A with USDA representatives about specific program and opportunities
- How Florida can create green jobs now and an overview on where we are now as compared to other states
- Florida and clean tech manufacturing: hurdles to financing, VC funding opportunities in Florida, Florida venture clubs, governments role in helping entrepreneurs with clean tech startups and innovation that could be exports for Florida. What role can Florida tradition financial institutions play
- An overview of the cost of renewable energy vs. cost of traditional sources of energy. Also a discussion of cost trends when considering the life of a renewable energy sources. Additionally, a factual and historical overview on the role of subsidies for current energy sources and how such should be factored in while discussing the cost viability of independent renewable energy production.
- Overview of job creation opportunities from independent renewable energy generation from third party renewable energy producers vs. green jobs created when only investor owned utilities are allowed to build. Thirdly, discuss, job creation opportunities when Florida has policies that benefit both regulated utilities and independent power producers. Question: how can we get to a third way whereby all benefit while maximizing Florida green job potential
- Florida biofuels infrastructure: fuel crop that can be grown in Florida and best strategy to match such crop with existing technology and producers as quickly as possible, Same for waste that can be processed or energy.
- Land use politics: when can renewable producers and environmentalist get along... they are not one in the same. What is governments role with regard to better defining guiding rules for renewable production facilities and site selection.
- A presentation and discussion led by a roundtable of renewable energy policy experts to discuss the politics of renewable energy in Florida and in the new congress. We anticipate a lively discussion that will not only reveal setbacks, but also opportunities and a deeper understanding of the various political factions involved in the debate. Also, provide a better appreciation for the difficulty of the issue and at least a knowledge of all views so that we can be solution oriented.
The afternoon will be dedicated to lobby day activities whereby attendees will walk over to the state capital to visit with lawmakers at pre-arranged meetings to discus renewable energy policy in Florida
12:30 noon- 1:30 p.m. lunch session- Keynote Speaker
1:30- 1:30 - state lobbying overview, handing out of schedules to include the answering of any questions regarding policy proposals from the group which we hope to be an abbreviated reflection of the policy goals from all Florida based organizations for which their input is sought.
1:45- 5:00- Visit with legislators at the state capital
5:15- Meet back at Mary Brogan Museum for de-briefing
Ask about CLE Credits
Sunshine State Renewable Energy Expo Fees:
**All FREPA members receive 40% off attendance/registration fee if registered early before
Fee includes: All Sessions Lunch Reception* Exhibitor
Exhibit Booth Space $125 (include one %30 discount toward symposium registration)
Expo Attendee Registration
Non Members $95
Members $50
*Affiliated organizations - discuss special rate with you organizational leader
Student Fee $20 (student ID to be shown at check in)
We also encourage you to consider purchasing add space in our program booklet. The purchasing of add space entitles you to have your logo and a link to your candidate website to be placed on our conference website as a supporter.
Quarter Page $250.00 Half Page $500.00 Full Page $750.00
BE 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
|
In The Spotlight Local Government recycling New FREPA Member, Okaloosa County Government- Recycling Department * Jim Reece, the Divisions Director is one of our states leaders in county government recycling. Solar New member, Uma Solar-For more than 30 years, UMA Solar has been a preeminent force in the solar industry. From its beginnings in the plastic over-molding industry to today's domination of the solar thermal market, UMA Solar continues to meet the nation's solar needs.Visit them here
|
New Board Member Remo Eyal of Uma Solar
|
Join Our Governing Team
FREPA is expanding its board and 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 [email protected]
|
|
|
Join FREPA today or simply make a donation of support. Download NEW membership app HERE. Please allow 24 hrs for all credit card s to be processed.
Sincerely,
Michael Dobson Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association WWW.Floridaenergyproducers.com Managed by Dobson, Craig and Associates
|
|
|