Florida's Energy Policy: A Model for the Nation

• Date: 01 January 2009

1-2009 NEWS & A NALYSIS 39 ELR 10061

As our nation transitions into the Barack Obama Admin-

istration, we have the unique opportunity to work

together to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and

help protect our nation from the harmful impacts of climate

change. We must develop and implement real solutions—

learning from the policies and programs already in place

across the nation and the world.

Here in Florida, we have already begun to diversify our

energy supplies, reduce harmful emissions, and conserve

energy. Energy diversif‌ication is vital to our nation’s economic

development and security. It can help us become more inde-

pendent of oil from other countries and reduce greenhouse gas

(GHG) emissions—issues that are not only an environmental

concern, but a matter of national security.

In addition to t raditional fuel sources, we must develop

alternative and renewable energy, such as biofuels, solar and

wind technologies, as well as cleaner sources of energy, such

as nuclear. Florida has built upon federal incentives for renew-

able energy by providing a combination of grants, rebates, and

other tax incentives to encourage the development and com-

mercialization of advanced energy technologies. State govern-

ment, as well as the businesses here in Florida, are realizing

there is “gold in green,” and that investing in the clean energy

technology sector will help develop reliable energy supplies

and increase economic opportunities.

We must also increase energy eff‌iciency and conservation

measures. Enhancing and upgrading existing facilities and

systems, as well as strengthening requirements for new con-

struction, provides a cost effective move toward a more secure

energy future. We can have more energy-eff‌icient building

codes; we can increase the performance of our home and com-

mercial appliances; and we can invest in upgrades to our elec-

trical power systems to increase eff‌iciency and conservation at

our utilities.

Finally, we must reduce GHG emissions—from our homes,

our businesses, and our communities. We can require electric

utilities to produce less carbon emissions, by upgrading facili-

ties and diversifying energy sources, including renewables

and nuclear. We can adopt stricter motor vehicle emission

standards and encourage smarter, more eff‌icient driving prac-

tices. And we can further the development of clean, renewable

sources of energy that will protect our environment as well as

stimulate our economy.

Over the past few years, states across the nation have taken

the lead on addressing global climate change. However, we

must go one step further and build broad-based, national, and

regional coalitions to address energy and climate change policy.

Without them, corporations that do business across state lines

are challenged by differences in standards and expectations.

Addressing such a complicated issue requires government

to work alongside the business, science, and community ser-

vice sectors. Innovative solutions to our nation’s energy and

environmental future can happen only as leaders across Amer-

ica bring their expertise to the table. We must recognize the

undeniable link between our environment and our economy.

Florida appreciates the unique opportunities and challenges

that lie ahead. Over the past two years, we have launched our

state to the forefront of the worldwide movement to reduce

GHGs and address global climate change. Earlier this year, I

signed bipartisan legislation that created the most comprehen-

sive energy and economic development policy in the history

of our state, moving Florida forward on its path to diversify

our energy sources, increase energy eff‌iciency, reduce harm-

ful GHG emissions, and support the development of renewable

energy technologies. It is time for our nation to move forward

with a comprehensive energy policy that will protect America’s

natural beauty for future generations.

I truly believe that global climate change is one of the

most important issues we face this century, and we must take

action. By increasing energy eff‌iciency and conservation,

reducing GHG emissions, and expanding the use of alternative

and renewable energy technologies, we can move forward with

a new, more secure, and diverse energy future for our nation.

C O M M E N T S

Florida’s Energy Policy:

A Model for the Nation

We must increase energy eff‌iciency and conservation, reduce GHG

emissions, and expand alternative and renewable energy

by Charlie Crist

Charlie Crist is the governor of Florida.