TALLAHASSEE - Governor Jeb Bush
today released the 2006 Florida Energy Act, a $30
million strategy this year to diversify the state’s
fuel supply and provide long term energy security.
This four year comprehensive plan provides rebates,
grants and tax incentives to create a more balanced
energy portfolio by increasing Florida's investment
in renewable energy sources such as solar, hydrogen
and biofuels.
“A reliable, cost-efficient supply of energy is
critical to Florida’s continued prosperity,” said
Governor Bush. “Through diversity and conservation
efforts, we can reduce our dependence on imported
oil, spur economic growth and ensure that a balanced
mix of fuel sources and technologies are readily
available for years to come.”
Recent events highlight the need for a comprehensive
energy strategy. The hurricanes of 2004 and 2005
demonstrated Florida’s vulnerability to electric
generation and supply disruptions. Currently, school
districts and state universities are facing a 34
percent increase in the cost of fuel and small
businesses are facing up to a 30 percent increase in
energy costs. Additionally, the state’s electric
consumption is expected to increase by close to 30
percent over the next ten years.
Population and prosperity are increasing the
demand for power and transportation fuel. The demand
for motor vehicle transportation fuel is expected to
grow from 28 million gallons per day to more than 32
million gallons per day with Florida depending
almost exclusively on other states and nations for
supplies of oil and gasoline.
Drawing on recommendations submitted by the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP),
Governor Bush is proposing that legislation be
introduced during the 2006 Legislative Session to
eliminate unnecessary regulatory barriers and
provide economic incentives to promote conservation,
efficiency and diversification of our energy supply.
To eliminate unnecessary regulatory processes that
can hinder progress, Governor Bush is proposing the
streamlining of regulations to stabilize energy
costs and ensure reliability.
- The 2006 Florida Energy Act encourages
diversity in new electric generation capacity by
allowing the Public Service Commission to consider
fuel diversity and fuel reliability, instead of cost
alone, when reviewing electric generation permits.
- Proposed changes to the Power Plant Siting Act
will expedite new electric generation capacity,
improving the reliability of electric utility
generation and reducing the state’s reliance on one
fuel type.
To reduce consumer costs and increase energy
efficiency, Governor Bush is proposing a $5 million
investment this year to fund two rebate programs:
- The Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program
will provide consumer rebates for purchases of
energy efficient ENERGY STARÔ appliances. In just
their first year, by utilizing Energy Star Rebates
to purchase and use energy efficient appliances,
consumers will conserve more than 10 million
kilowatt hours.
- The Solar Energy Equipment Rebate Program will
reduce the initial costs for installations of
photovoltaic and solar thermal technology on
residential and commercial buildings.
“Advancing clean, reliable and affordable energy
sources is key to Florida’s economic future,” said
Senator Lee Constantine. “Creating an energy policy
for Florida is not only a priority for this year,
but for years to come.”
To diversify Florida’s energy supply and economy
with cleaner fuels, Governor Bush is recommending
$15 million for four years in tax incentives.
Renewable Energy Technologies Tax Incentives provide
sale tax exemptions and corporate income tax credits
for the production of cleaner fuels, including
biodeisel, ethanol and hydrogen.
Additionally, Governor Bush is recommending $10
million in new grants to fund research projects
testing the commercial viability of these “next
generation” technologies. Together with our federal
partners, Florida has already invested $9 million in
hydrogen infrastructure, yielding a four to one
return on our investment.
“Securing a diverse and reliable supply of energy
for Florida’s taxpayers is one of my top
priorities,” said Representative Adam Hasner. “We
must use legislation to reduce regulatory barriers
and provide financial incentives to encourage the
creation and use of renewable energy.”
These important legislative initiatives, combined
with regulatory relief and administrative actions,
comprise a comprehensive plan that utilizes 21st
century technology to enable Florida to promote
conservation and diversify its energy supply. The
2006 Florida Energy Act encourages and supports
market-based development of reliable and
cost-effective energy alternatives. Instead of
mandates and taxes, the Governor's strategy uses
targeted incentives and government purchasing power
to stimulate the free market and shape new
technologies.
“Governor Bush is taking the steps needed to
protect Florida’s growing economy and quality of
life,” said Florida Department of Environmental
Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Florida’s
Energy Act provides a foundation for securing and
diversifying our energy sources and represents a
practical and comprehensive step to meeting the
challenges ahead.”
Governor Bush is encouraging government to lead
by example, requiring all new State government
buildings to meet national energy efficiency
standards. Additionally, executive agencies were
directed to continue their conservation efforts to
reduce the demand for energy and develop innovative
conservation initiatives to serve as a model to all
Floridians.
For more information or a copy of the plan, visit
www.FloridaEnergy.org.
2010 State of Florida