| Florida's
Renewable Energy Act Is Signed Into Law
At the project launch of Florida’s newest ethanol production facility in
Tampa, Governor Jeb Bush signed into law last week a four-year, $100
million plan to diversify the state’s fuel supply and promote energy
conservation and efficiency. Joined by Senator Lee Constantine,
Representative Adam Hasner, Department of Environmental Protection
Secretary Colleen M. Castille and a host of state and community leaders,
the Ggvernor signed Senate Bill 888, which will reduce Florida’s
dependence on imported oil, spur economic growth and increase Florida’s
investment in cleaner, alternative energy sources such as solar,
hydrogen and biofuels. “Reducing barriers and diversifying the state’s fuel supply will ensure greater energy and economic security for Florida,” said Governor Bush. “Grant programs and targeted investments for emerging technologies will speed up the development of viable, cleaner alternative energy sources and create opportunities for new industries, services and jobs.” Spearheaded by Governor Bush, the Florida Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act takes the first comprehensive step toward a diverse, reliable and secure energy future by reducing regulatory barriers to expedite electric generation capacity and providing rebates, grants and tax incentives to drive the development of alternative fuel technologies. The Act: --Increases energy efficiency by reducing consumer costs: The Solar Energy System Rebate Program reduces initial costs for pollution-free photovoltaic and solar thermal technology installations on residential and commercial buildings. Additionally, the Energy Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday from October 5 to October 11, 2006, provides a sales tax exemption for the purchase of energy-efficient products including dishwashers, refrigerators, air conditioners, ceiling fans, programmable thermostats and incandescent lightbulbs. --Invests in cleaner fuels to diversify Florida’s energy supply and economy: The Renewable Energy Technologies Grant Program provides matching grants for research and demonstration projects associated with the development of alternative fuel vehicles, renewable energy systems and other ‘next generation’ energy technologies, including hydrogen, solar, biodiesel and ethanol. --Streamlines regulations to stabilize energy costs, diversify supply and ensure reliability: Revisions to the Power Plant Siting Act and Transmission Line Siting Act eliminate unnecessary process to the advancement of the state’s electric generation capacity and strengthen the reliability of power supply without affecting public participation. Additionally, the legislation creates the Florida Energy Commission, a nine-member panel to be appointed by the president of the senate and speaker of the house. The commission will advise the legislature on state energy policy based on the guiding principles of reliability, efficiency, affordability and diversity. Following the bill signing, Governor Bush joined top officials with US EnviroFuels LLC to launch the company’s new ethanol production facility in Port Upon completion, the Port Sutton plant is expected to produce an estimated 40 million gallons of fuel grade ethanol per year. Production will include grain unloading, storage, milling, fermentation, distillation and drying. Grain will be delivered by rail or truck, and ethanol will be distributed by rail, truck or barge. The company is scheduled to break ground in August and begin operating in October 2007.
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