Renewable Energy In Florida
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"IGNITE"
Volume 15 May 2011
Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association E-News
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| South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island, Florida. FREPA Conference July 27-29, 2011 |
Message From President/CEO
2011 Florida legislative session, not Florida's moment in the sun with Renewable energy
Dear Members and Supporters,
Welcome to this installation of IGNITE, the FREPA E-newsletter. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read what will be a very lengthy note. It is lengthy because the 60 day legislative session has lent itself to much reflection and even some repose as we contemplate strategies moving forward. Moreover, this writing may even be a bit unusual as we will reveal some dynamics that are self defeating, which we hope will spur more introspection. This was (after all) a watershed moment for the renewable energy community in Florida.
Today ( May 9, 2011) , the dust is beginning to settle on the 2011 Florida legislative session . It was a session that saw nearly 30 renewable energy bills, but the interest of the legislature and all parties was on only one. FREPA advised its members and other renewable energy advocates that SB 7082 was coming and would be the focus in 2011 as far back as the summer of 2010 ( a year ago). The bill pursued was legislation to allow advance cost recovery for investor owned utilities for the purpose of what are projects that are specific to certain utility and certain vendors or companies with partnership interest in the project. In the summer of 2010, FREPA advised other organizations and advocates that leadership would only focus on an advanced cost recovery bill (which failed the 2010 session) in the 2011 legislative session. We even advised others that last summers "clean energy summit" was a rollout for the strategy aimed to pursue the same bill filed in 2010. Being a veteran lobbyist, I have been given certain insight in which I have seen those roll out strategies before. We also advised others that it woud be futile to try and get the legislature to pass anything else that was not the advance cost recovery bill sought by large IOU's in 2011. In the lead up to the 2010 legislative session, we
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addressed the University of Central Florida Venture Lab (on Feb 2010 above) at a one day meeting on Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS) and advised that a feed-in-tariff policy or any bill that somehow mimmicks a feed- in- tarriff is completely off the table in the Florida legislature. In this talk, we also discussed our thinking about pursuing a ballot initiative. Therefore, the demise of feed-in-tariff lite policy proposals in 2011 again was predictable. States with feed-in -tariff policies usually get them after an Renewable Energy Portfolio Standads (RPS) policy is in place and is working. The feed -in- tariff then compliments the states RPS. For all those reasons, FREPA is pursuing the changes needed through its Florida Green Energy Initiative, a statewide ballot petition for renewable energy targets for 2012. During the summer of 2010, FREPA made its predictions for 2011 session while asking like minded groups to support the Florida Green Energy Initiative only to hear various organizational leaders voice fear that such an initiative would divert dollars away from their organizations botton lines by asking their members to support it... and was told, "they would rather make a decision after a failed 2011 legislative session". Well, if you are a member of one of those groups, a year has passed and the 2011 legislative session was a failure to achieve what we advised could not be achieved. So, we ask you to join us at FREPA and donate to the initiative, engage in our sound strategies and support the cause. As we write, petitions are being gathered even as we continue to work with leaders and other groups as the 2011 legislative session was surely not a time when the sun shined on renewable energy in Florida .
For reasons that are both difficult to understand, but yet understandable when considering hard political realities, the legislative body had an obligation to try and pass the desired renewable energy bill (SB 7082) after failing to pass it during the 2010 legislative session. That year, there were concerns about how it would play in an election year and during a recession. So therefore,while this approach was predictable, it is nontheless disappointing. The bill had many issues that FREPA highlighted as anti-competitive and had no safeguards to deliver renewable energy in Florida at the least cost by forgoing prudent review, a responsibilty and burden the independent renewable energy developers face in order to get Purchase Power Agreements and approval from the Public Service Commission. The bill did nothing to foster open markets and encourgage broadscale economic development . FREPA's opposition to the desired bill was outlined here and published throughout the state and beyond. The Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association has remained consistant since its beginning. It has constantly asked the legislature to simply let the market work on its own within the constructs of a regulated environment by opening the door to competition. Our mission is to work with policymakers to develope a policy landscape that will allow the renewable energy and clean tech industries in Florida to flourish in open markets. We have advocated in public testimony in legislative committees that our view is that government should not be a impediment, but get out of the way to allow the market to work. However, we stress to all that we are advocating fundamental change in ways so that our system is not picking winnners and losers simply by keeping a death grip on the status quo. We stress that the independent renewable energy industry is historically up against a stacked deck of regulations and an environment that does not force open markets or level the playing field. We maintain, that the only policy with a chance of passing in the legislature is the Florida Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS). It is a policy that works and have a track record of success in other states, it is a policy that lawmakers are familiar with nationally.
In our opposition to SB 7082 during the 2011 legislative session, FREPA partnered with the Manufacturing Association of Florida, the Florida Retail Federation, Florida Hospital Association, the National Federation of Independant Business, Americans For Prosperity and others to a oppose SB 7082. We congratulate the coalition members for what was a success in making sure that we get to go back to the drawing board and develop open market renewable policies. Our team was up against the legislatures most powerful forces. We also thank Nanette Schimpf for her work and Bill Herrle, Executive Director of the National Federaton of Indepedent Businesses/Florida for his article in the Tallahassee Democrat. Additonally, FREPA began a partnership with Florida Million Solar Rooftops, Inc and its leader Jessie Roche who used his wide network to educate Florida's about issues surrounding the bill. Jessie educates voters year round on issues in the industry at Florida Million Solar Rooftops,Inc. It remains our view that passage of SB 7082 would have allowed for only an illusion of a renewable energy bill that, instead was a piece of legislation for narrow interest at the expense of a holistic renewable energy policy that is broad, inclusive and creates open and competitive renewable energy markets. Finally, the passage of such a bill would have pre-empted dialogue toward a real statewide renewable energy policy.. the dialogue that was started a few years ago. The 2011 legislative session marks the second session that was completely spent on a focus toward a bill which was narrowly tailored to a defined interest, instead of creating a broad renewable energy policy. The legislatures of 2008 and 2009 actually attempted broad, meaningful and stately renewable energy policy which could make Florida into a state with a robust renewable energy industry. Those legislatures discussed and came close to passing a renewable energy portfolio standards bill.
Throughout, FREPA has remained focused on its mission. We continue to raise money and collect petitions for the Florida Green Energy Initiative which will establish an RPS of 20% renewable energy by 2020. We need your help and your donations. We also hold out some hope that we can have dialogue with other established business groups over the summer to craft a renewable energy policy proposal to take to the legislature that not only traditional renewable energy advocates could support, but that utilities and the overall business community. After this session, renewable energy legislation has begin to fall into the "you mean Florida does not outlaw beastiality?" category. meaning, it's way past time that we find a way to get an RPS passed in Florida. We believe that the data clearly indicates that an RPS creates an industry and creates new jobs. Cost factors could be mitigated in the design of the RPS policy. What FREPA has found is that (a) Florida manufactures benefit by diversifying their business mix in the state with cleantech manufacturing, (b)retail operators benefit by having the ability to place solar panels on their roofs or linking into Florida specific wind turbines to create energy that can be net metered and reduce their electric bills and (c) Independent businesses benefit by having the freedom to compete in open markets. A broad renewable energy policy is a win-win for Florida and its citizens. I ask you to simply DONATE to the ballot initiative or become a member of FREPA to help us make this happen. We are the " Voice of renewable energy in Florida" and are willing to make the hard decisions and calculated risk necessary to bring renewable energy industry to Florida, but we need your help.
Some groups would suggest to you that the strategy should be to pursue wholesale electric deregulation. At FREPA, we prefer to view our opportunities as those that are respectful of historys' lessons and certain political realities. In reality, America and its political systems has allowed for a regulated utility scheme that is counter to everything that many of us believe our country was founded on with respect to individual freedoms, free markets and competition. This writer is one of those who share this belief. However, in the real world the current regulatory scheme is Americana and its beneficiaries are entrenced and powerful with nearly 100 years worth of political protections that would make using the precious time and energy of our members pursuing such a path very unwise. It frankly is not the best use of the precious energy and time that our members have commited to this cause. I value their time. The idea is utopian and would surely open markets, but Florida's political landscape would not support it in the near or perhaps distant future for reasons that would require me to digress into a somewhat "political science 101" lecture. We at FREPA believe that when members support our efforts they are taking time away from their kids, their spouses, their businesses and and their lives to support us. So as a father of three and grandfather of five, I am sensitive about how, when and for what are we asking you to engage. So while it may be a personal axe to grind and a sure fire way to open up a renewable energy financing scheme that is more ideal and similar to that of Germany, the best way to have those conversations is after an RPS is developed. Then, there is a mandated need to discuss all ideas. At FREPA, our goal is not to have a revolution, but to allow our members to do business, create jobs and make a profit while growing a robust renewable energy industry. Americans will not stomach a revolution at a time when gas is at record high prices, food and all the bare essentials are becoming almost unaffordable for many families. Families are afraid. They will support an RPS, because it has proven to create more jobs and in the end and they may support a Public Benefits Fund if there is open and direct discussions about it to find that place whereby they are comfortable. Americans and our leaders need proof that a policy provides jobs and that it would not bankrupt families, An RPS has the track record to address concerns and most leaders feel the same way. If this is any indication, our legislature spent 2/3 of the legislative session debating a deregulation bill that House Republican leaders crafted themselves and wanted to pass, only to see the bill die in a year that most would suggest is the only year which the stars could have been aligned to pass such a bill. Other states have enacted renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS) mandates and it has allowed renewable energy to be developed and the industry to flourish within the current regulated scheme. FREPA has been dogmatic in its approach and has gained the respect of some of Florida's oldest business organizations as a result of its pragmatic, progressive and dogmatic approach.
Build Better Relations
Over the summer, we also need to better work with our utilities, our builders, our transportation infrastructure and etc and work with them to become a more sustainable Florida. In the end, they are our partners. In the Florida legislature, renewable energy advocates and organizations find ourselves in an unfortunate position of having a perpetual David and Goliath fight with utilities. It's always.. in this corner there is "Utility IOU" and in that corner " Green Team". Admittedly, FREPA has fallen into that trap itself as we have seen recent policy proposals as anti-competitive with regard to independent power producers ability to do business in Florida and heavily tilted to favor the status quo.. even strenthening it. The truth is, renewable energy projects cannot get developed and Florida cannot have a robust industry without working relationships between independent renewable energy developers and our utilities. The same is true for the green building,alternative fuels producers and electric car manufactures regarding their need to develop relationships. Unfortunately, current policy does not always facilitate such relationships. FREPA aims to change that so that renewable developers, solar installers and contractors, utilities and all others key to this industry are better able to reach their mutual goals of creating more renewable energy jobs in Florida. We believe that the failures within the 2011 legislative session on renewable energy provides an opportunity for independent developers and utilties to talk and spend some time over the summer to craft a more inclusive approach, that we hope will be the gateway for Florida's RPS. FREPA will be leading that discussion, holding out hope for success when our states history of adressing this issue in recent years creates much doubt. We also believe that policy can be crafted that does not only strengthen a regulated monopoly, and that does not close markets to independent job creators. We think that approach is short sighted for a great state like Florida. It is simply what happens when politics trumps sound policy ....when politics gets in the way. Florida leaders can and should create an RPS that is fair and opens renewable energy markets in (Florida) a state with abundant potential to lead the southeast in renewable energy development. We believe that we will get there via legislative successes or voters input through direct democracy. Simultaneously, we will also be building new relationships of support for the Florida Green Energy Initiative so that it is successful.
In closing, we encourage you to attend the largest renewable energy conference by a Florida based trade group to be held on Captiva Island on July 27-29, 2011. Join Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, Bob Dinneen of the Renewable Fuels Association and others to educate attendees on project financing opportunities, mapping renewable energy policy for Florida, outlining how to make the industry attractive for our agriculture community, sustainability and etc. Come to the conference to network, identify funding opportunities, fine tune your proposals, meet and develop new partners, and vacation at one of Florida's top vacation destinations at a top facility in South Seas Island Resort.
Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy note. We at FREPA sincerely wish you and your families well.
Warm regards,
Michael Dobson
President/CEO . .
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Welcome
Register Now
for the
4th Annual Sunshine State Renewable Energy Expo
"the largest Florida renewable energy conference held by a Florida renewable energy trade association"
Visit event wesite HERE
Where: South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island, Florida
When: July 27-29, 2011
AGENDA
SPECIAL GUEST AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Former Governor Jennifer Granholm
of Michigan
July 27, 2011
3:00-7:00 p.m. Check In
After Check in. Play golf at South Seas Island Resort or at one of two golf courses at Sanibel Island
5:30- 7:00 p.m. Reception
7:15- 8:15 * VIP Dinner immediately follwing the reception- A one on one with Former Governor Jennifer Granholm (including photo ops)donations of up to $100 or more accepted to support FREPA political action and/or Florida Green Energy Initiative
July 28, 2011
7:30- 8:30 a.m. Opening Breakfast Session (buffet style breakfast served)
Welcome from FREPA Board Chairman and FREPA President/ CEO
Former Lt Governor, Jeff Kottkamp- Invited
8:45--9:45 a.m. SESSION A
New renewable energy technologies: Whats's on the horizon and how they are game changers
SESSION B
Florida leading the way with projects that introduce new technologies ( presentations from FREPA members)
Invited Representatives:
American Renewables, Inc
Rentech,Inc
10:00-10:50- SESSION A
Financing renewable energy projects in 2011: private financing opportunities, securing funding, applying for government grants and the availability of financing for projects( includes representatives from USDA and DOE)
Moderator/Presenter
Fred Greguras-Cofirmed
International Renewable Energy Project Finance Expert
K&L Gates, LLP, Palo Alto, Ca
SESSION B
The price of solar: Panel discussion with manufactures, solar installers , renewable developers, investors and financiers on the real price of solar in America and its industry growth
11:00- 11:45 a.m. WHAT UTILITIES ARE DOING ON THEIR OWN TO JUMPSTART THE INDUSTRY
Moderator
and Presenter
Barry Moline- Confirmed
Executive Director of Florida Municipal Power Association
12:00-1:00 LUNCH SESSION
Keynote Speaker
Jennifer Granholm- Confirmed (bio was taken from Gov Granholm website)
Former Governor of Michigan
Pew Charitable Trust Spokesperson
1:15-2:00 SESSION A
Farming, agriculture, large landowner and forestry: solving the puzzle as to their roles in a new energy source alignment for the 21st century
SESSION B
New rules and technologies that are changing the solar industry business model
2:15-3:00 SESSION A
Large and small scale renewabe energy coexisting: Commercial solar and wind; residential solar and utility scale projects coexisting in Florida ( how other states have done so)
SESSION B
Energy efficiency and conservation: its role, its technologies and policies that are helping them lead
3:15-4:15 SESSION A
Cleantech manufacturing: What startups are doing in Florida, potential for exporting energy technology, policy/funding needs and how Florida can lead
Featurered presenter:Al Stimac, President Manufacturers Association of Florida
SESSION B
Florida energy crops/feedstocks: What are the status of current feed stock introduction, feedstock incentives , the farmers market( financial benefits for growing energy crop), what grows best here
Presenter Roy Beckford- Confirmed
University of Florida- IFAS , County Extention
Topic: Status of Jathropha curcas reasearch in Florida; Carribean and Latin American impacts
4:45 -6:15 FREPA: SUNSHINE STATE RENEWABLE ENERGY BEACH PARTY
6:45-8:00 FREPA: FLORIDA RENEWABLE ENERGY FOUNDATION DINNER
Keynote address by Bob Dinneen, Executive Director, National Renewable Fuels Association. This is a dinner and ceremony to include members of the Florida legislature, acknowledge their support, acknowledge leadership within the Florida renewable energy industry from identified renewable energy businiesses, entrepreneurs and project developers. Announce foundation awards for service and advocacy within the Florida renewable energy industry
Bob Dinneen, Executive Director national Renewable Fuels Association
July 29, 2011
8:00-9:00 a.m. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (coffee, tea, juice, fruit and danish available)
How states lead in renewable energy: renewable energy leaders and policy experts from a panel discussion lead by a presentation from Dr. Jan Hamrin known as the architect of California's leadership position in renewable energy policy. A discussion and Q&A.
Featurered Speaker
Dr. Jan Hamrin- Confirmed
CEO JHMW International, Inc
9:15-10:00 a.m. SESSION A
Renewable energy regulation updates: Federal Electric Regulatory Commission (FERC) , Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, Florida Public Service Commission activity to watch, what has Florida legislatrure contributed and what are the expectations.
SESSION B
Local government and economic development councils partnering to take the lead: what some local governments and economic development councils are doing to bring clean tech industry to their communities and how they are fostering an environment in government for industry
10:15-11:30 a.m. SESSION A
Florida renewable energy portfolio: presentations followed by a panel discussion about what is a practical renewable energy portfolio for Florida (panel will consist of industry representatives from solar, wind, biomass, hydrelectric, waste to energy, CHP and biofuels used for electric generation)
SESSION B
Florida's alternative transportation fuels infrastructure: improvements, challenges, successes, opportunities
11:20 a.m.- 12:15 p.m. LUNCH
Keynote Speaker, John May, Stern Brothers and Company
Topic: What wall street is telling us about renewable energy
1:30-2:20 p.m. THE RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY LANDSCAPE
What is the current status of national policy efforts for renewable energy and an overview on how the policy lanscape has changed since November elections and what to expect going into the 2012 cycle
Bob Dinneen, Executive Director, National Renewable Fuels Association
2:30- 3:30 p.m. WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT FLORIDA
A panel discussion with policy and renewable energy business experts to identify the key take away points of the conference and methods by which supporters and the business community could capitalize on Florida renewable energy industry growth opportunities
3:45 CLOSING REMARKS
PROPOSALS AND ABSTRACTS
The Sunshine State Renewable Energ Expo is still receiving proposals and abstracts for presentations. If you have one and would like to make a presentation, please e-mail your ideas to [email protected]
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SIGN UP HERE TO ATTEND THE RENEWABLE ENERGY EXPO/CONFERENCE
Signup and register as an attendee, exhibitor and/or sponsor
Attendee$275
Exhibitor $375
Or visit the registration page HERE to registrator securely online
Accomodations
South Seas Island Resort
Special Room Rate $179.00 for conference
Become A Sponsor
Why become a sponsor? This renewable energy grant and funding workshop offers high visibility and recognition focused at your target audience in the renewable energy industry and policy arena. Sponsorship establishes your leadership in the market, your community consciousness, community goodwill as it relates to the future of our energy needs, and provides valuable exposure and advertising for your company in what is an exciting industry.
We are currently looking for Exhibitors & Sponsors! For further information on exhibit packages and/or sponsorship, please contact: our office by phone at 850-363-4122, e-mail [email protected], events@floridaenergyproducers.com
BENEFITS
Priority placement of name and logo on conference website, conference and promotional materials.
Dignified and appropriate signage recognizing sponsorship
Complimentary exhibit table & registration
Reference in all media advisories
TO GET MORE INFO ABOUT SPONSORSHIP AND ITS BENEFITS, VISIT HERE
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Dear Renewable Energy Friends and Supporters:
If you ever thought there was any other way that we are to have renewable energy policy in the southeast without its largest state doing it by ballot, then after this legislative session we believe all doubts are erased. The Florida legislature tried to pass a bill that transparently showed its true intent.. that intent is to eliminate any reference to renewable energy portfolio standards in statute and only pass legislation that would award its largest uitlities and their freinds. This only highlights our need. We urge you to donate today . Your donation is key to our securing the petitions we need to place the ballot questiion before Florida voters.
If you are a Florida Farmer, solar contractor, solar technology installer renewable project developer, those in the legal profession focusing on renewable energy regulation, PPA negotiator, researcher, biofuels producers, engineering firm, industrial construction company, architect, electrician, roofers, economic development council, chamber of commerce 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. It is not a question of how much.. but, donate something. This policy directly benefits you.. it creates a policy that allows you to profit from a robust renewable energy industry in Florida and it allows you to contribute to policy that would reduce green house gas emmisions in Florida a as well as be a cornerstone to our state sustainable living. Donate Now.
On the heels of the 2011 legislative session, the wolf is certainly at our door and we need your finacila support to have a succsessful campaign. 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. The 2011 legislative session did not see a renewable energy bill passed because there was a lack of ideas. It was because there was interest in only one idea and it benifited oly a few instead of creating broad policy. All other bills where essentuaklly dead on arrival or filing.
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That is why it is crystal clear that the only way forward in Florida is with a constitutional amendment for renewable energy. However, our team must and will continue making our case in Tallahassee. They will pursue dialogue with key business grous over the summer to find some solutions that all can take to the legislature. But, if history is any guide, it would be difficult unless there are strategies to get key decision makers whom have not shown up yet, on our side In the case of the ballot initiatve, 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 is www.floridaenergyinitiative.org . 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 1400 Village Square Blvd Suite #3-148, Tallahassee, Fl 32312 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.
Florida Green Energy Initiative
Donate Here
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Ballot Initiative Activity
May 13, 2011 Friday
Fundraiser - Double Tree Hotel, Tallahasee
5:30 - 7:00 pm.
* If you would like to contribute and cannot attend fundraiser, please contribute online HERE, send by mail or call (850) 363-4122
May 18, 2011
Fundraiser - Ft. Lauderdale
Ritz Carlton
5:00-6:00
All checks should be mailed to : 1400 Village Square Blvd Suite #3-148, Tallahassee Florida 32312 and checks are made out to: Florida Green Energy Initiative
To reserve a seat or ask questions contact us via email at
[email protected] or call (850) 363-4122
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RECENT NEWS OF INTEREST
DOE Wrapping Up Renewable-Energy Project Loan Guarantee Program
The U.S. Department of Energy said Tuesday that it has stopped accepting applications for loan guarantees to help finance new solar, wind or other renewable energy facilities and suggested there would be winners and losers among companies that have applications pending.
Read More
Going "All The Way" With Renewable Energy?
Political will seen as main green power obstacle, but practical issues remain.
In a world where fossil fuel provides more than 80 percent of energy, what would it take to go completely green? Could the world switch over to power from only the wind, sun, waves, and heat from the Earth in only a few decades?
Read More
Photovoltaic Systems Boost the Sales Price of California Homes
ScienceDaily (Apr. 22, 2011) - New research by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds strong evidence that homes with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems sell for a premium over homes without solar systems. Read More
Wis. Gov. takes on environmental policies
MADISON, Wis., May 8 (UPI) -- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Republican legislators are pushing a sharp reversal of environmental and energy policies, advocates on both sides say.
Read More
USDA and DOE Award Biomass Research and Development Grants to Reduce America's Reliance on Imported Oil
WASHINGTON - As part of the Obama Administration's comprehensive plan to address rising gas prices, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced a total of $47 million to fund eight research and development projects that will support the production of biofuels, bioenergy and high-value biobased products from a variety of biomass sources.
Read More
Guest Post: A Perspective on Clean Tech's Failure to Communicate
Consumers want clean energy-as long as they don't have to pay for it. Will better dialog help?
The Salt River Project recently conducted a survey to gauge customers' attitudes about both renewable and traditional energy generation. Respondents exhibited highly favorable feelings towards solar, wind and hydro-electric resources, and highly unfavorable feelings toward coal and nuclear resources. Read More
Book Review: Powering the Dream: The History and Promise of Green Technology
When Barack Obama referred to America's "Sputnik moment" during January's State of the Union address, he was using the metaphor of the Soviet satellite to convey a sense of urgency regarding the United States' need to develop its green energy infrastructure. Obama used Sputnik to evoke a sense of American can-do attitude in the face of adversity.Read More
Environment and Energy TV
View Your Favorite Here
Environment and Energy News Network
View news here
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News Links of Interest
*the following links are also on the FREPA website
Energy Politics
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In The Spotlight Florida Million Solar Rooftops, Inc FREPA is ironing out a partnership with Florida Million Solar Rooftops, Inc to be inked mid-summer. Led by Jessie Roche , it is a high octane news network for renewable energy.. especially in Florida. We want to have our readers get acquainted with Jessie and his website. We believe that this is a place you want to visit often. As a FREPA member, you will find great benefit in this relationship.... a place to tell your story, to place your press releases and a place to get news. . Solar 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
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New Board Members Remo Eyal of Uma Solar Gary Cooper, Vice President of BG Dealer Services, Inc
Roger Bayly , Director of Operations
Vertical Turbine Power,LLC
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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]
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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
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