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Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association

 

Volume 19                                                Feb- March 2012

 ocean energysolar clouds

 

Message From The President  

  

The  2012  Florida legislative session is coming to a close, with a week or more remaining. 

 

 This session has been difficult for renewable energy policy in Florida. It seeks to continue to repeal all that has been achieved over the past few years under the Crist administration.   As many of you know, in the 2011 legislative session, one of the measures passed was a measure to place the energy office in the Department of Agriculture. The Department is headed by former Congressman and former State Representative Adam Putnam, whom we believe is the smartest and most experienced politician in the capitol. The quintessential smartest guy in the room.

 

For many years, the energy office was a quasi stand alone agency that was closely aligned to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. In fact, it has always been treated as somewhat of an unwanted redheaded stepchild. As energy policy took a higher profile politically, not only in Florida but nationally, the energy office has taken on several forms over the past few years that brought it more clout beginning  with its alignment with the (then)  newly formed Florida Energy Commission (FEC)  in 2007, which is no more. Since then, the energy office has largely been an office considered the domain of the Governors office as it has undergone some evolutions linked to climate change policy, which was an important policy area for Governor Crist.

 

Our nations Governors have taken a very high interest in energy policy in recent years. For instance, in the 2007 legislative session there was a tug of war between the governor's office and the Department of Agriculture over the energy office. The argument was that because the Department of Agriculture was already providing renewable energy grants and had spearheaded the Farm to Fuel Summit, it made sense to provide them more oversight of energy policy. Also back then, there was more federal money being passed through the states energy offices in addition to a legislature who for three consecutive years provided general revenue dollars for Farm to Fuel grants. So, the fight was also about who could have input into how those monies where utilized in Florida. 

 

 So, the idea of the Department of Agriculture having the energy office is not an entirely new one. What is different is that today's energy office does not have the federal dollars it once had and the leadership is different. For the last few years, the energy office has become more or less a grant management office to the chagrin of many of policy professional who worked their only to find that out later. But, that is no more. Commissioner Putnam is changing that.

 

We applaud Commissioner Putnam's leadership. We know that he has taken on a tough issue in renewable energy policy. FREPA's disappointment is not entirely on what we view as the steps taken in his very modest approach to energy policy, but on what is being eliminated in that approach. 

 

What is being eliminated and not talked about has  made HB 7117 and SB 2094 almost meaningless, and perhaps taking the state of Florida backward on energy policy. FREPA has urged that this is probably not the best year to try and tackle energy policy, if we are serious about it. In a year whereby the large elephant in the room is redistricting and the economy is anemic; there is little appetite for deliberate dialogue on controversial policies. So, in there places what we get is modest policy proposals. I will suggest that across the board, Florida will not see the passage of sweeping legislation in any policy area in 2012. Why? The reason is simple. Every legislator is on the ballot for re-election and every one of them is running in new districts. Whenever that happens, there are uncertainties that every politician will have about re-election no matter how favorable the districts are drawn. As a result, they are less likely to provide any ammunition for their opponents. In a district in which you know the voters, or   have run before, it's a little easier to be risky.

 

 In the case of renewable energy, doing the right thing would require risk... political risk.  It would require political risk that legislators will not take in a redistricting year. Instead of leaving well enough alone or improving upon what we have, the current bills eliminate a call for renewable energy goals. It does this by eliminating any reference to Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS) from statute and places no language for goals in its place. It eliminates reference to hydrogen, weakens prospects for natural gas (if we are to pursue an all of above policy) and does not address the advanced cost recovery policy for utility built solar or nuclear. 

  

 One may ask, why is this  important? In the 30 plus states that have a Renewable Energy Portfolio standard (RPS), each state has increased renewable energy production and thus increased its private equity investments. For instance, when a state has a portfolio goal of say 20 percent of renewable energy by the year 2020, as an entrepreneur or investor in that business space, you sense such a state is a good bet for a stable business environment. More importantly, it sends the message that the state government and all players have a long-term commitment to the industry's success. In many cases, that alone is enough to interest cleantech entrepreneurs and investors to look at the Florida market as a place to do business.  For states with an RPS, these investments go into those states economies, create jobs, and allow the purchasing of homes and other products as well as services that strengthen our economy. Simply put, investors and renewable energy entrepreneurs want to go to places that they believe encourage innovation in energy production. So, while there are good things in the bill, without the right signals, the number of companies in  Florida to take advantage of the tax credits, incentives and etc will be few far and in between.  They will go elsewhere. They will go where they see a long-term commitment to their industry.

 

So, we have urged lawmakers to consider creating a statutorily approved Blue Ribbon Panel as described Here and to either pass a strike all bill that does not eliminate the RPS, or perhaps even attach amendment language offered  that maintains renewable energy goals. Maintaining the progress we have made over the last several years is not without its rewards for a state as dynamic as Florida, and a state poised to lead in  cleantech innovation. Not maintaining our progress, will only set us back. 

 

We urge you to think about how you can engage our leaders in 2012 to assist FREPA with its mission of maintaining the progress made in the cleantech and renewable energy industry. Your help will secure our industry for purposes of job creation and investments into our economy.  

 

 

Wishing you the best, I am,

 

Michael Dobson

 President, FREPA

  

 

 

 

  

    ROGER BAYLY AND FAMILY  NEEDS YOUR HELP- HERE

  

On February 24, 2012, I called Roger bayly to return a call from him the previous day after a little telephone tag. In that call, Roger Bayly, a FREPA member and owner of VT, Inc of Ft Myers informed me that he has been newly  diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I've never received a call from anyone and have them share such news with me before.  I've even heard of stories where closest relatives are hesitant to share such diagnosis with their family members. In the conversation, I tried not to tell Roger that I knew how he felt or could imagine what he is going through .....because that would be a lie. When one faces certain crossroads, he/she can never quite know the emotional journey until it happens.

 

 But, what I did tell Roger is that I will do what ever I can do in my small way to help him. My first thought was to help him get informaton so that he can fight. I immediately thought of our beloved Senator Jim King and his fight against this disease. I advised Roger to call Kelly Williams in Senator Thrashers office, a long time aide to the former Senator King. I thought that she may have some insight from the Senators gallant fight. I also routed him to the Mayo clinic and the state funded biomedical research initiative.  I am asking any of you to also think of how you can help Roger.

 

Below is a photo of Roger and his team exhibiting their mobile renewable energy generator at the State Capitol (Feb 8, 2012) during the recent Florida Cleantech Summit at the State Capitol held by FREPA.

 

Roger is our brother. Not only our brother in humanity, brother in Christ, but also our brother in this fight to bring renewable energy and cleantech jobs to Florida. Please visit the website HERE  to help Roger and his family. His staff has put together this website to raise money to help Roger with this fight. As someone who has gotten to know Roger over the year, he is a cleantech leader in Florida, a great guy, committed family man and is tough as nails. And, if you are ever in Ft. Myers, please go by their shop and take a look at what they have created for the future. Please help Roger.

 

  Photos below taken by Arthur Lugisse  of Roger Bayly and Staff ,  and their Vertical Turbine Power - Mobile Unit..a  mobile renewable energy product which can be used in remote locations, for military use, at Florida parks and disaster relief. Does not need to be  connected to grid to provide energy and power the usage  needs of those around them.  

 

Roger, his team and their products

 

Roger and his team In Capitol Courtyard Feb 8, 2012

Roger

 

 

Vertical  Turbine Power - Mobile Renewable Energy Unitat Florida State Capitol Feb 8, 2012

 

 

 

 vtp exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florida poised to lead the Southeast just a few years ago, Now all advances under attack.

Florida Trend Innovation..Crist years
 

 

URGENT

SB 2094 and HB 7117 in the Floida legislature removed  any reference to Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS), or any reference to renewable energy goals. In recent years, it has been the belief by most that targets and goals are always a good thing and motivates policymakers to develop policies that help Florida succeed. In separate bills such as HB 4001, steps to to have utilities develop plans to reduce green house gas emissions are being stripped away.

 

By removing RPS language, the current bills (SB 2094 and HB 7117)  in the 2012 Florida legislature creates incentives, but  with no place to go, as industry players will rightfully gauge that Florida is not serious about growing a renewable energy market that  is stable and strong. An RPS is always a good sign for industry growth.  One of the rationals for removing the language is because.. the state has not acted on  it, although it has direction  in statute to do so. Without it, Florida has no real commitment to renewable energy. The job of policy leaders are to lead and if the legislature has not acted on a policy that creates  jobs, we ask our leaders to lead them to do so. We ask that they should do that, rather than retreat.

 

Without the RPS language or a goal in statute and  without any signs that Florida is interested in this industry, renewable businesses and the money invested  will go to the 30 plus  states that already have RPS policies in place. And, they will be taking their jobs and investment dollars with them.

 

 Please call your legislator  and ask them to place the RPS language back into the bill so that we can continue developing a strong energy policy for Florida.

  Here are a few key Senate members who are on the Senate Budget Committee to call. All other members of the Senate and House should be called as well.  We will provide an expended  call list in separate notes to key advocates and members. FREPA members can get the info from the FREPA site member section. ( let us know if you have problems logging in)

 

Chair: Senator JD Alexander (R) 

District (850) 863-679-4847

Tallahassee (850) 850) 487-5044

 

Vice Chair: Senator Joe Negron (R) 

District ( 850) 773-219-1665

Tallahassee (850) 487-5088

 

*Senator Thad Altman (R) 

Disrict (321) 752-3138

Tallahassee (850) 487-5053

 

*Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto (R) 

District (239) 433-6599


Tallahassee (850) 487-5356

 

*Senator Michael S. "Mike" Bennett (R) 

District ( 941) 727-6349

Tallahassee (850) 487-5078

 

*Senator Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff (R) 

District (954) 467-4205

Tallahassee (850) 487-5100

 

*Senator Anitere Flores (R) 

District (305) 270-6550

Tallahassee (850) 487-5130

 

*Senator Don Gaetz (R) 

District ( 850) 897-5747

Tallahassee (850) 487-5009
 

 

*Senator Alan Hays (R) 

District (352) 762-6441


 Tallahassee (850) 487-5014

 

*Senator Arthenia L. Joyner (D) 

District(813) 233-4277

Tallahassee (850) 487-5059

 

*Senator Evelyn J. Lynn (R) 

District (386) 238-3180

Tallahassee (850) 487-5033

 

*Senator Gwen Margolis (D) 

District (305) 571-5777

Tallahassee(850) 487-5121

 

*Senator Bill Montford (D) 

Disrict/Tallahassee) (850) 487-5004

*Senator Jim Norman (R) 

District(813) 265-6260

Tallahassee ( 850) 487-5068

 

*Senator Nan H. Rich (D) 

District( 954) 747-7933

 Tallahassee(850) 487-5103

 

*Senator Garrett Richter (R) 

District (239) 417-6205

Tallahassee(850) 487-5124

 

*Senator David Simmons (R) 

District:(407) 262-7578

Tallahassee: (850) 487-5050

 

*Senator Gary Siplin (D) 

District(407) 297-2071

Tallahassee (850) 487-5190

 

*Senator Eleanor Sobel (D)

District (954) 924-3693 

Tallahassee (954) 487-5097

 

*Senator John Thrasher (R) 

District (904) 727-3600

Tallahassee (850) 487-5030

 

*Senator Stephen R. Wise (R) 

District (904) 381-6000

Tallahassee (850) 487-5027

 

 

 A REPORT

REVIEW POTENTIAL METHODS OF ENCOURAGING RENEWABLE ENERGY THAT MINIMIZE THE ECONOMIC IMPACT ON UTILITY RATEPAYERS ( A REPORTBY THE FLORIDA SENATE completed Oct 2010) 

 

 

legislature
Florida Legislature Floor and Chambers

 

KEY ENERGY RELATED  BILLS CURRENTLY FILED FOR THE FLORIDA 2012 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

 

Each legislative session, there are a few bills that end up being "THE"  key bills in any policy area. Those bills are ultimately called a train i.e. the energy package, transportation package and etc.  It is a bill or vehicle whereby  all surviving ideas end up being attached to at the end of the legislative session. HB 7117 and SB 2084 are the two key bills that you will need to watch this week and next with regard to renewable energy.  You will find the language from a few of the other bills now in HB 7117 or SB 2094. But, only a few bills were that lucky.  However, there are a few stand alone bills that either have minimal impact or  overwhelming support,  that may make it.

 

Early on, we advised FREPA members that the bills that were essentially bills aimed to deregulate energy in Florida, while we approve of the ideas, were none starters. Such bills maybe ones  that allowed for solar generation to be allowed to forego regulatory identification as a utility when providing power to homes in the place of regulated utilities and outside of the jurisdiction of regulated utilities. However, what we call statement bills are indeed helpful.   Speaking of a statement, the clearest statement of intent of this legislature is found in the sure passage of HB 4001 and its companion which eliminates the critical elements put in place to tackle climate change and to essentially undergird the attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Florida. As is with the RPS, these where policies pursued by the Crist administration.  

 

 

 

CS/CS/SB 2094:

GENERAL BILL by Agriculture; Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities; Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities  

Energy; Authorizing a municipality to collect special assessments to pay the additional costs to purchase renewable energy for the municipality; adding factors for the Public Service Commission to consider in reviewing the 10-year site plans submitted to the commission by electric utilities; providing for a portion of the proceeds of the local government infrastructure surtax to be used for financial assistance to homeowners who make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy devices; providing a sales tax exemption for materials used in the distribution of biodiesel, ethanol, and other renewable fuels; exempting from regulation under ch. 366, F.S., the sale of electricity to the public for the purpose of electric vehicle charging stations, etc.  
Senate Committee References: Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities (CU) , Agriculture (AG) , Budget (BC)  

 

Last Action: 02/23/2012 On Committee agenda-- Budget, 02/28/12, 4:30 pm, 412 Knott Building 
 

 

 

CS/CS/HB 7117: GENERAL BILL by State Affairs Committee; Finance and Tax Committee; Energy and Utilities Subcommittee; Plakon; Mayfield; (CO-INTRODUCER) Gaetz
Energy; Requires utilities' 10-year site plans to address existing & proposed renewable energy production & purchases; provides for portion of proceeds of local government infrastructure surtax to be used to provide loans, grants, & rebates to residential property owners who make energy efficiency improvements to their residential property, subject to referendum; defines term "energy efficiency improvement"; provides definitions for terms "biodiesel," "ethanol," & "renewable fuel"; provides for tax exemptions in form of rebate for sale or use of certain equipment, machinery, & other materials for renewable energy technologies; provides eligibility requirements & tax credit limits; authorizes DOR & DACS to adopt rules; directs DACS to determine & publish information relating to exemptions; provides for expiration of exemption; reestablishes corporate tax credit for costs related to renewable energy technologies; provides eligibility requirements & credit limits; provides rulemaking authority to DOR & DACS; directs DACS to determine & publish certain information; provides for expiration of tax credit; reestablishes corporate tax credit for renewable energy production; provides tax credit for production & sale of renewable energy; provides appropriation. APPROPRIATION: $250,000
Last Action: 02/28/2012 Placed on Calendar
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Bill currently on House calendar

 

Compare language with 2094

 

CSS/SB 156: Assessment of Residential and Nonhomestead Real Property

 

 GENERAL BILL by Community Affairs; Latvala

Assessment of Residential and Nonhomestead Real Property; Excluding the value of certain improvements from the assessed value of residential real property; specifying a limitation on the assessed value of residential real property; providing for application of the assessment limitations; requiring a nonrefundable filing fee for a petition to the value adjustment board; specifying additional exceptions to the assessment of homestead property at just value; specifying additional exceptions to assessment of nonhomestead property at just value; providing for the continuity and apportionment of assessment limitations on combined and divided parcels; repealing provisions relating to the property tax exemption for renewable energy source devices, etc.

 

Last Action: 01/10/2012 CS by Community Affairs read 1st time -SJ 99

 

  Read the billbill analysis   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

 SB 1106: Electric Energy Production 

GENERAL BILL by Altman

Electric Energy Production; Revising the definition of the term "public utility" to exclude certain renewable solar energy production facilities for purposes of specified provisions; revising the definition of the term "net metering" for purposes of provisions relating to renewable energy, etc.

Location: Filed

Last Action: 01/10/2012 Introduced -SJ 89  

Effective Date: July 1, 2012 

 

  

 

 SB 1074: Energy Conservation

 GENERAL BILL by Altman

Energy Conservation; Authorizing a municipality to collect special assessments to pay the additional costs to purchase renewable energy for the municipality; providing for a portion of the proceeds of the local government infrastructure surtax to be used for financial assistance to homeowners who make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy devices; defining the terms "renewable energy devices" and "energy efficiency improvement", etc.
Location: Filed
Last Action: 01/10/2012 Introduced -SJ 87 
Effective Date: July 1, 2012

 

 

SB 696: Customer-owned Renewable Generation

 

GENERAL BILL by Bennett

Customer-owned Renewable Generation; Revising the definition of the term "customer-owned renewable generation"; allowing a customer of a public utility who installs customer-owned renewable generation to sell renewable energy to a tenant of the customer-owned property and to separately bill the tenant; requiring that the Florida Public Service Commission adopt rules; allowing a customer of a municipal electric utility or rural electric cooperative who installs customer-owned renewable generation to sell renewable energy to a tenant of the customer-owned property and to separately bill the tenant, etc.

Senate Committee References: Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities (CU), Environmental Preservation and Conservation (EP), Budget (BC)

Location: In committee/council (CU)

Last Action: 11/16/2011 Referred to Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities; Environmental Preservation and Conservation; Budget

 Last Action: 01/10/2012 Introduced -SJ 58 

  

Effective Date: July 1, 2012 

 

 

SB 786: Growth Enterprise Development

 

GENERAL BILL by Ring
Growth Enterprise Development; Requiring the Department of Economic Opportunity to establish a One-Stop Permitting System in cooperation with certain participating agencies; authorizing local governments to establish growth enterprise development programs that provide for master development approval for the development or expansion of certain sites owned and operated by growth enterprises; providing for the development and distribution of literature explaining the One-Stop Permitting System and identifying local growth enterprise development programs; repealing provisions relating to the One-Stop Permitting System Grant Program and the Quick Permitting County Designation Program of the former State Technology Office, etc.
Senate Committee References: Commerce and Tourism (CM), Community Affairs (CA), Budget (BC)
Location: In committee/council (CM)
Action: 11/16/2011 Referred to Commerce and Tourism; Community Affairs; Budget
 Last Action: 01/10/2012 Introduced -SJ 66
Effective Date: July 1, 2012

 

 HB 4031 - Nuclear and Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Power Plants General
Bill   by Rehwinkel Vasilinda 
Nuclear and Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Power Plants: Repeals cost recovery provisions for siting, design, licensing, & construction of nuclear & integrated gasification combined cycle power plants. 
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
 Last Action: 01/10/2012 Introduced -HJ 148 

  

 
HB 7007 - Florida Statutes
**see page 87, Section 70 ( addresses alternative fuels standards)

Reviser's/General Bill   by Aubuchon 
Florida Statutes: Deletes provisions that have expired, have become obsolete, have had their effect, have served their purpose, or have been impliedly repealed or superseded; replaces incorrect cross-references & citations; corrects grammatical, typographical, & like errors; removes inconsistencies, redundancies, & unnecessary repetition in statutes; improves clarity of statutes & facilitates their correct interpretation; confirms restoration of provisions unintentionally omitted from republication in acts of Legislature during amendatory process & removes gender-specific references applicable to human beings from Florida Statutes without substantive change in legal effect. 
Effective Date: on the 60th day after adjournment sine die of the session of the Legislature in which enacted 
*Bill signed by governor 
Last Event: Bill referred to House Calendar on Thursday, December 29, 2011 Read bill    

SB 684: Economic Development

 GENERAL BILL by Ring

Economic Development; Requiring the Department of Economic Opportunity to designate a director of manufacturing; amending provisions relating to a tax credit program for capital investment by certain qualifying businesses; requiring a capital investment of at least $10 million as a criteria for a qualified project; providing tax credits for qualifying businesses that are located out of state; providing that a capital investment of a specified amount qualifies a target industry business for the tax refund; creating the Manufacturing Capital Investment Tax Refund Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity; providing for amounts of capital investments for certain manufacturing businesses that are eligible for tax refunds; providing for the application and approval process for qualified projects; authorizing the Division of Strategic Business Development in the Department of Economic Opportunity to adopt rules, etc.

Senate Committee References: Commerce and Tourism (CM), Budget (BC)

Location: In committee/council (CM)

 Action: 11/16/2011 Referred to Commerce and Tourism; Budget

 Last Action: 01/10/2012 Introduced -SJ 58 

Effective Date: July 1, 2012 

Read bill 

 

SB 690: Solar Energy Systems

 GENERAL BILL by Bennett

 

Solar Energy Systems; Removing the requirement that the Florida Solar Energy Center set standards for and approve solar energy systems; requiring that a solar energy system manufactured, sold, or installed in the state meet the safety and performance standards established by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., etc.

Senate Committee References: Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities (CU), Environmental Preservation and Conservation (EP), Budget (BC)

Location: In committee/council (CU)

 Action: 11/16/2011 Referred to Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities; Environmental Preservation and Conservation; Budget

Last Action: 01/17/2012 Withdrawn from further consideration -SJ 170 

Effective Date: July 1, 2012

 Read bill

 

HB 4001 - Florida Climate Protection Act

General Bill   by Plakon 

 

Florida Climate Protection Act: Repeals provisions for cap & trade regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electric utilities. 
Effective Date: July 1, 2012 

Last Event: Bill released to House Calendar on Thursday, December 08, 2011 

Last Action: 02/27/2012 Placed on Special Order Calendar, 02/29/12 
 

  Read bill

  

 SB 1032: Thermal Efficiency Standards

 GENERAL BILL by Benacquisto

 

Thermal Efficiency Standards; Requiring that the Department of Environmental Protection and the applicable water management district grant a general permit for the construction, alteration, and maintenance of certain surface water management systems; authorizing the construction of certain surface water management systems to proceed without further action by the department or the water management district; providing definitions for the terms "ballasted roof," "hardscape," "heat island effect," "low-sloped roof," "solar reflectance" or "reflectance," and "steeped-sloped roof"; providing standards for a thermal-efficient roof, etc.

Senate Committee References: Environmental Preservation and Conservation (EP), Budget (BC)

Location: In committee/council (EP)

Last Action: 12/08/2011 Referred to Environmental Preservation and Conservation; Budget

Last Action: 02/01/2012 On Committee agenda-- Environmental Preservation and Conservation, 02/06/12, 3:00 pm, 110 Senate Office Building --Temporarily Postponed

Effective Date: July 1, 2012

  Read bill 

 

  

HB 743 - Energy Efficiency General Bill  

by Rehwinkel Vasilinda 
 

Energy Efficiency: Provides for portion of proceeds of local government infrastructure surtax to be used to provide loans, grants, & rebates to residential property owners who make energy efficiency improvements to their residential property, subject to referendum; defines term "energy efficiency improvement." 
Effective Date: July 1, 2012 
Last Event: Now in Energy & Utilities Subcommittee on Tuesday, November 29, 2011   
Read Bill

 

 SB 648: Florida Climate Protection Act

 GENERAL BILL by Hays

 

Florida Climate Protection Act; Repealing provisions relating to a cap-and-trade regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electric utilities, etc.

Senate Committee References: Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities (CU), Environmental Preservation and Conservation (EP), Budget (BC)

Location: In committee/council (CU)

Last Action: 11/16/2011 Referred to Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities; Environmental Preservation and Conservation; Budget

Effective Date: July 1, 2012

 Read bill  

 

 SB 740: Nuclear and Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Power Plants

  

GENERAL BILL by Fasano

Nuclear and Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Power Plants; Repealing provisions relating to cost recovery for the siting, design, licensing, and construction of nuclear and integrated gasification combined cycle power plants, etc.

Senate Committee References: Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities (CU), Community Affairs (CA), Budget (BC)

Location: In committee/council (CU)

Last Action: 11/16/2011 Referred to Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities; Community Affairs; Budget

Effective Date: July 1, 2012 

 Read bill 
 

 

HB 4013 - Florida Renewable Fuel Standard Act

General Bill  by Gaetz (CO-SPONSORS) Adkins; Coley; Costello; Ford; Ingram; Smith; Wood 
 

Florida Renewable Fuel Standard Act: Repeals Florida Renewable Fuel Standard Act. 


Effective Date: July 1, 2012 
Last Event: Now in State Affairs Committee on Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Read bill

 

HB 779 - Electric Energy Production General Bill  

 by Burgin 
 

Electric Energy Production: Revises definition of term "public utility" to exclude certain renewable solar energy production facilities for purposes of specified provisions; revises definition of term "net metering" for purposes of provisions relating to renewable energy. 


Effective Date: July 1, 2012 
Last Event: Now in Energy & Utilities Subcommittee on Monday, December 12, 2011

 Last Action: 01/10/2012 Introduced -HJ 77 

 Read Bill  

 

 

HB 133 - Assessment of Residential and Nonhomestead Real Property
 
 General Bill   by Frishe (CO-SPONSORS) Berman; Rehwinkel Vasilinda 
Assessment of Residential and Nonhomestead Real Property: Limits review of changes to assessed or taxable value of real property resulting from informal conferences to review by DOR; excludes value of certain improvements from assessed value of residential real property; specifies limitation on assessed value of residential real property; provides for application of assessment limitations; provides procedural requirements & limitations; requires nonrefundable filing fee for petition to value adjustment board; specifies additional exceptions to assessment of nonhomestead property at just value; defines term "placed on tax roll"; provides for continuity & apportionment of assessment limitations on combined & divided parcels; specifies when divided or combined parcels must appear as combined or divided on tax roll; deletes definition of terms "renewable energy source device" & "device"; repeals provisions relating to property tax exemption for renewable energy source devices; provides for application. 
Effective Date: July 1, 2012, and applies to assessments beginning January 1, 2013

 

 Last Action: 02/28/2012 Placed on 3rd reading

Read Bill

 

 

 

 

HJR 23 - Ban of Oil Exploration, Drilling, Extraction, and Production in Territorial Seas Joint Resolution  

by Kriseman (CO-SPONSORS) Bullard; Pafford 
 

 

 

Ban of Oil Exploration, Drilling, Extraction, and Production in Territorial Seas: Proposes amendment to s. 7, Art. II of State Constitution to prohibit exploration, drilling, extraction, & production of oil beneath Florida waters between mean high-water line & seaward limit of Florida's boundaries; exempts transportation of oil produced outside of such waters.  
 

Effective Date: Not Specified 
Last Event: Now in Energy & Utilities Subcommittee on Thursday, September 15, 2011

 

 Last Action: 01/10/2012 Introduced -HJ 10 

 

Read bill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


INTRODUCING

 

FLORIDA GREEN INNOVATION

 A Magazine

by

FREPA/DCA /Florida Cleantech Innovation Group

Published by Jaray Communications 

Fla green energy magazine cover 1WE

 

Sample page

Fla green innovation pages
 

 Interested in placing an article ? Interested in advertising? Do you want your company to be a feature? Contact our office at (850) 363-4122 or (850) 765-0097

 

Also , please download the form here for execution to advertise  or list your company in this important industry and green lifestyle magazine.  The back pages are a business guide for  businesses like yours. Please register and reserve your space now. You can also register at www.floridacleantechinnovation.com .  In the near future, there will be a link on the FREPA website.

 

Fee Schedule for Business Guide listing and advertising in Magazine

Standard listing: Business name, brief description ( no more than 25 words) listing nature of business as well as products and services, business address (city , county and state) phone number, fax number, e-mail address , website address, all appropriate contact info for key contacts; (optional) years in business, revenues and number of employees. **Prices adjusted and not subject to change until Feb 2013.
 
 ___$75.00____ non FREPA members

 

___$40.00_____ FREPA members and approved FREPA partners

 

Advertising:

Note: If you are a FREPA member, deduct 50%  from cost associated with desired Ad size

Business card   size $45.00 ( and  15% off cost of standard listing in business guide section)

 

Quarter page ___$350.00_______ ( include standard listing in business guide section)

 

Half Page _____  $650.00______ ( include standard listing in business guide section)


Full Page _____$ 1,200.00____ ( include standard listing in business guide section)
 

For your convenience, you can make payment via the Sunshine State Expo /FREPA Paypal link and complete the registration form to be  faxed back  to our office ,for our records. Fax (708) 778-8864

 Buy Now

Ad Deadline ( including artwork): March 15, 2012

Feature article deadline: March 18, 2012

 

 

 

OUR CHALLENGE, OUR FUTURE

Noah

WE CHALLENGE YOU

 TO SHOW UP

IF YOU ARE A CLEAN TECHNOLOGY JOBS CREATOR!

 

 

 

 

RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW

 

RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT FINANCE WORKSHOP 2012

 

" A look at Renewable Energy Project Financing in 2012 and beyond"

 

 April 20, 2012

Location: Radisson Hotel, Celebration Florida ( Orlando area)

 

 

REGISTER NOW


 

 

The Event Summary

Renewable energy companies and ancillary businesses can learn more about how to get thier projects financed in todays environment, what are the trends in cleantech financing, how best to position your company for success at financing its project, governmental barriers or opportunities and how to make them work for your company. Also, what are the public policy scenarios to anticipate as you seek long-term funding in short-term political think.. and more

 

The event is a one evening and full  day event. It begins on April 19th with an FREPA membership meeting and open reception. On April, 20, 2012, there will be a group of sessions geared toward a focus on project finance. The day  will begn with a breakfast and the various sessions will  last throughout the day.

 

 

 

  

*Attendees Special FREPA membership offer: 

Interested in becoming a FREPA member at half of annual membership Fee to include Project Finance Summitt?  GO to the FREPA website membership page and register now at half price HERE 

 

THE EVENT AGENDA

 

April 19, 2012

 

 FREPA General Membership Meeting  and Open Reception 

 

April 20, 2012

 

7:30 a.m.

 Breakfast

 

Welcome- Michael Dobson FREPA President

Comments from FREPA Board Chairman

Keynote Speaker - TBA

 

 8:30 a.m - 9:15 a.m.

U.S. Department of Agriculture-  Rural Development Renewable Energy Program, U.S. Department of Energy : What opportunities exist currently, what to anticipate over the next 6- 12 months. Questions about funding criteria, application process and assistance.

 

 

USDA Rural Renewable Energy Program - Presenter TBA

 

U.S. Department of Energy - Presenter TBA 

 

9:30a.m.- 10:15 a.m.  

 Renewable energy  and clean technology funding opportunities in Florida via private equity programs designed by Florida policy makers to increase private investment into such targeted areas

 

 Florida Gowth Fund - Presenter (TBA)

 Florida Opportunity Fund _ Presenter (TBA)

 Technology Research and Development Authority - Representative Invited (TBA)  

 

10:25 a.m. -11:00a.m.

 Overview of State and Federal Tax Credits, subsidies and incentive strategies:

 

Presenters  (TBA)

 

11:10 a.m.- 11:45 a.m.

 A snapshot of  private equity activity in cleantechnology and what are the expected trends

 

 Presenters (TBA) 

 

 

12:00- Noon- Lunch

Awarding of 2012 Florida Renewable Energy Champion ( awarded to legislators- TBA)

 

Award and acknowledge some of Florida's long standing  renewable energy businesses and their owners

 

Key Note Speaker:

 

John May  - Confirmed

Stern Brothers

 

 

 1:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

A nonpartisan overview of proposed energy policy anticipated from congress based on a variety of scenarios. 

 

Eric Milman, Milman Research and Consulting- confirmed

 

Maryland State Senator Roger Manno- Invited

Roger currently serves in the Maryland state senate. He is the former Legislative Director to Congressman Stanford Bishop of Georgia. In that capacity, Roger handled a variety of substantive and appropriations matters for the congressman. Roger continues to consult with congress and the White House on a variety of issues.

 

Congresswomen Kathy Castor- Invited 

 Congresswomen Castor is the ranking member from Florida on the energy and commerce committee.

 

 

1:50 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.

Energy policy in Florida and its impact on project financing opportunities for renewable projects and private equity for cleantechnologies

 

Presenters- TBA

 

2:45 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.

 Message from the field: Anecdotes, lessons learned and learned opportunities from some of Florida's top Independent Power Producers, sustainable building professionals  and governmental leaders .

 

Participants-TBA

 

3:45 p.m.- Closing Remarks

 

  

 

 

*Attendees Special FREPA membership offer: 

Interested in becoming a FREPA member at half of annual membership Fee to include Project Finance Summitt?  GO to the FREPA website membership page and register now at half price HERE

 

  

Download a registation form to be faxed or mailed � to our office here.. If you have paid via online "paypal" system omit credit card info from the registration form. The registration form is necessary for our registration records  and  to identify all registrants for name tags, listing, gift bags, sponsorship packages and etc

 

Payments 

 

Who should exhibit and/or attend:

 

Engineering firms

Agriculture industry professionals and Florida farms

Land owners

Technology firms

Manufactures

Investors

Bankers

Solar contractors and Installers

Energy Plant contruction companies and ancillary businesses

Utilities

College job training programs or institutes

College job placement

Workforce organizations

Florida University System

Community Colleges

Petroleum marketers ( key to clean tech innovations important to transportation fuel infrastructure)

Automobile dealers

Electric car industry

EV Electric plug infrastructure and deployment

Ocean and wave energy technologies

Forestry

Florida based solar panel manufactuers and distributors

Wood pellet producers

University researchers

Economic Development councils

Local governmental entities

Electrical generation developers ( biomass, solar, wind, hyroelectric, natural gas and other clean energy technologies)

Producers of enery efficiency technology or products

Producers of HVAC technologies

Magnet technologies for electric generators, wind turbine technolgy and all power systems

Power systems technologies 

Materials manufactures for wind turbines

Fabricators 

Energy efficient lighting and appliance manufactures or innovators

Developers of stand alone energy systems using clean technology

waste to fuels and waste to energy plant developers and operators

Energy efficient building materials companies and entrepreneurs

Green building technologies

Sustainability living systems

Energy consultants

 

* To name a few. The cleantech industry is broad and expanding

   

All FREPA events are part of the FREPA Sunshine State Energy Expo series

 

 

 

 

Visit FREPA membership page here and join at half price.

 

 

Bringing  clean technology  to Florida 

 

 

 SIGN UP HERE

 

BE A SPONSOR

Sponsorship Levels


$250 - BRONZE SPONSOR

Listing in "Florida Green Innovation" Magazines business guide, listing on event placard, logo and link on event website as bronze sponsor and:

 

Company name and logo displayed on a placard placed at entrance  

Two (2) complimentary attendee passes

 

$500 - GOLD SPONSOR

 

Listing in "Florida Green Innovation" Magazines business guide, quarter page advertising in magazine, central logo placement as a  sponsor , logo and link on event website as gold sponsor and:

Three (3) complimentary attendee passes for all related event activities-tba

 

 

Company logo displayed on a sponsor banner during event and on placard     

 

And, Company name and logo displayed on a placard placed at entrance  and exit  

  

$1,000 - DIAMOND SPONSOR

 

Listing in "Florida Green Innovation" Magazines business guide, half page advertising in magazine,  logo and link on event website as diamond sponsor, logo banner and placards placed at  entrance and exit 

Four (4) complimentary attendee passes for all event activities -tba

 

Company logo displayed on a sponsor banner during event

 

Half page ad in Florida Green Innovation Magazine and business guide

   

Pay Now

 

   Be and Partner or Supporter

 

Being a Partner and Supporter, we would ask that you agree to support the event in many different ways. One key way of doing that would be the distribution of information about the event to your natural network, providing financial help to cover some cost of the event by adhering to the suggested partner/supporter fees. We would also ask that our event be placed on your website and that it is otherwise mentioned in your communication to stakeholders throughout your network. Your partnership status would be mentioned by your logo placement in event publications and on placards.

 

Suggested Partner /Supporter fees below:

 

$50 - Supporter

 

$75 - Workforce Champion

 

$100 - Workforce Leader

 Pay Now 

 

 or visit Sunshine State Expo  site to Make Payment Here

 * do not need to have a paypal account. Click link that says"do not have a  paypal account? (on right) once on payment page for standard payment from

(optional)  and/or complete

Registration Form to fax to (708) 778-8864

*note: the attached form is a multipurpose form. Therefore, please do not hesitate to augment the form for any FREPA  event registration  

 

Event Participants Accomodations

 

 WHY BECOME A SPONSOR

 Why become a sponsor? The 2012 Florida Renewable Energy Finance Workshop is an opportunity to show your commitment to improving Floridas economy, that  you are  interested in providing  solutions to our high unemployment and that you are relevant in this industry. Also, 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  Sponsors!  For further information on exhibit packages and/or sponsorship, please contact: our office by phone at 850-363-4122, e-mail [email protected], [email protected]

 

 

Please send any inquiries to: [email protected] 


 

 

 

 Radisso Celebration

 Click photo above get info about  Hotel

 

*Note: Contact [email protected] to for any questions about accomodations 

 

 

 

  

  Renewable Energy News

 The Florida Current

 Topic: Alternative Energy

 

Note: Bruce Ritchie and his colleagues have done a terrific job of following legislation and writing on energy policy this legislative session. Please take note of the lobbytools poll on their page that does not favor renewable energy. As we all know,  internet based polls can be easily manipulated by interest groups. But , its existence is problamatc for the industry absent counter polls as a side by side. Other polls have indicated that customers are willing to pay for more renewable energy.   Please subscribe to the Florida Green Innovation Magazine to get  balance. There you will gain knowledge of the industries success at not only generating renewable energy with clean technology, but creating Florida jobs.

 Read The Florida Current HERE 

  

 

1-GenOn to shut 7 U.S. Mid-Atlantic coal power plants.

By Scott DiSavino 

  

 Feb 29 (Reuters) - U.S. power generator GenOn Energy Inc on Wednesday said it would deactivate 3,140 megawatts of mostly coal-fired generating capacity in Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Jersey by 2015 due to more stringent federal environmental regulations.  

 Read More 

    

 

Florida Tea Party Rallies Against Renewable Energy Bills

 

The Florida legislature is frustrating Tea Partiers and grassroots conservatives by fast-tracking legislation that would ramp up taxpayer subsidies to Solyndra-style renewable power projects. Read More 

  

 

Renewable advocates split on Florida energy bills

 

 Feb 15, 2012

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Advocates of conservation and renewable sources such as solar and biomass are split over what sponsors are calling "modest" energy legislation in the belief that even a small start would cause those efforts to snowball. Read More

  

  

 Review Of "2012 Global Cleantech Directory: 100 Cleantech Lists That Matter

 

"2012 Global Cleantech Directory: 100 Cleantech Lists That Matter", written by Shawn Lesser, is a fantastic resource guide that highlights interesting cleantech facts about a combination of 100 countries, states, cities and company's. This coversation piece, which is built from a book of lists, provides a relevant discussion about the initiatives, and influencers around the world and how these stakeholders are moving clean technology to a period of significant growth and innovation. Read More

 

   

 

 Solyndra's Lessons: Challenges of the Global Energy Market

 

 In September 2011, Solyndra, a US-based solar panel manufacturer, declared bankruptcy.  The Solyndra case illustrates the complexity of developing renewable energies.  Many globalization factors influence the production and distribution of  renewable energy, such as economics, politics, science and technology policy, and commodity markets, to name a few. The demand for energy continues to rise as populations grow exponentially and as countries further industrialize. Read More

 

    

 

Renewable energy: advocates need to raise their 'game' to match fossil energy interests 

 

 With the absence of an energy discussion in this year's presidential race, one might think the U.S. faces few, if any, substantive energy problems, or opportunities for that matter. Most energy experts agree that is not the case. Yet what constitutes a problem or an opportunity, is subject to interpretation. Read More

 

 

 

Why There is no Renewable Energy Policy in Florida

 

Florida has no renewable energy policy and the legislature is working at lightning speed to repeal all progress made in recent years. How can this be? We are the sunshine state.

 Read More  As published in the Tallahassee Democrat Nov 2, 2011 HERE 

 

 

 LS Power Completes Financing of Arlington Valley Solar Energy II

 

NEW YORK, Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- LS Power announced today that it had completed financing and authorized construction of the $550 million Arlington Valley Solar Energy II Project ("AV Solar"), a 127 megawatt (AC) photovoltaic solar farm, near Arlington, Arizona. The AV Solar Project, to be constructed on more than 1,100 acres of land, will directly convert sunlight to electricity.  Read More 

 

 

Utilities start legislative fight over renewable energy credits

 

Here's a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Idaho utilities today began what's likely a tough legislative fight to force small alternative power projects to hand over their renewable energy credits. Idaho Power Co., Avista Corp. and Rocky Mountain Power began pushing lawmakers on the Senate State Affairs Committee to award them these so-called "green tags" that result when they buy renewable projects' electricity; the committee agreed to introduce the bill.  Read More 

 

 

 

Some photos From FREPA Florida Cleantech  event at the State Capitol
Feb 8, 2012
DEO at FREPA Capitol event 2012     Mark Dick at FREPA Capitol event 2012
Vesselka McAllarney and colleague  of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity exhibit at Capitol  and Mark DicK of Tallahassee Community College speak at symposium on 22nd floor of Capitol

 
FREPA at press conference 2012
State Rep Michelle Rehwinkle Vasilinda flanked by Dean Minardi of Bing Energy, FREPA President Michael Dobson, and DCA/FREPA Photographer Arthur Lugisse
 
Calrlos at FREPA event at Capitol 2012FREPA Cap 2012 group of presenters
Business Development Director Carlos Gonzalez of Bluechip Energy speaks at Symposium at Capitol, Angela Prioleau of USDA, Mark Dick of TCC and FREPA President after symposium
FAMU students and staff look  onSoutheaset Wood Producers At FREPA event at Cap
FAMU Dr.  Clifford Loumie and  colleagues look on at symposium and Southeast Wood Producers Association Mia Wade  pose for photo in the middle of getting set up to exhibit at State Capitol
 
THE  NEWEST FREPA MEMBER
VERDICORP
Verdicorp, Inc
FREPA welcomes Verdicorp, Inc.
 
Vericorp excels in developing next -generation,  clean technologies such as . Please visit there website by clicking their logo above for more info about this dynamic company. And, see the  article here about Verdicorp. Verdicorp's areas of interest include Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC), Energy Generation, Recovery and Storage Systems, and Water Desalination, Treatment and Pumping
 

 

BECOME A FREPA MEMBER TODAY
 

Join FREPA today or simply make a donation of support. Download NEW membership app HEREPlease allow 24 hrs for all credit card s to be processed. Membership applications can be faxed to (708) 778-8864. Mail all application and checks to :4005 Brandon Hill Dr, Tallahassee, Fl 32309

 

Please contact our office by phone at (850) 765-0097,  (850) 363-4122 or e-mail  [email protected], lyzza@Floridaenergyproducers.com
 or  [email protected] for additional information about  FREPA.    

 Not a member and would like to receive the FREPA e-newsletter and other material? Beginning Feb 1, 2012  limited  FREPA E-news and other Information will be made available to non-members for an  annual fee of $25 to be paid by check or via  online merchant account here Buy Now
FREPA: sunshine state expo is FREPA's pymt center.  Payments should be noted as "FREPA E-Information". Note: this will not provide access to FREPA member information, alerts , communications  or other member benefits
 
Sincerely,

Michael Dobson
Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association
WWW.Floridaenergyproducers.com

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