Florida Uses Cyberspace to Outline Energy Future On-Line

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today unveiled a new digital home for the Florida Energy Office. The website outlines Florida’s ‘next generation’ energy initiatives in hydrogen, solar, clean transportation and biomass, and provides energy conservation tools for businesses, communities and residents.

“Florida is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Developing pollution-free energy technology benefits Florida’s residents, natural resources and economy. This website will allow us to share valuable information about Florida’s energy future across the globe.”

The new website provides government, businesses and organizations with information about 21st Century energy research, along with Florida’s initiatives to generate cleaner power and commercialize low-emission and alternative fuel vehicles. Florida is one of only a handful of states forging public-private partnerships to demonstrate hybrid-diesel technology and hydrogen-powered cars, trucks and buses.

“Florida is truly a front-runner in adopting clean energy technologies,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. “Along with cleaner vehicles, the State is expanding energy savings for Florida’s communities and laying the groundwork for the hydrogen highway.”

Leading by example, the State of Florida currently owns more than 900 alternative fuel vehicles. Including biodiesel trucks, DEP alone owns 300 alternative fuel vehicles and 50 fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles, comprising 22 percent of its fleet. Last year, the nation saw a 25 percent increase in registrations for hybrid vehicles -- Florida ranked third among the states.

Florida is also harnessing the power of the sun to expand the benefits of emission-free solar energy to schools and communities. Over the last year, DEP began installing solar electric units in Florida’s public schools through SunSmart Schools, outfitting weatherized low-income homes with solar water heaters through Front Porch Sunshine, and most recently launched the SunBuilt program, which provides home builders with financial incentives for placing solar hot water heaters in newly constructed homes.

For more information, visit www.FloridaEnergy.org. 

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