Jul 5 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Nate Kelly Walton Sun, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

By signing House Bill 7135, Governor Charlie Crist is making energy a priority for Florida.

The bill is a comprehensive energy and economic development package aimed at encouraging investments in alternative and renewable energy technology and reducing greenhouse gases.

This follows a year after the governor issued three executive orders with the intent of reducing greenhouse gases, increasing energy efficiency and removing market barriers for renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind energy.

However, Lynn Erickson, corporate communications for Gulf Power, said "We know that wind isn't a viable option in Florida since only a couple of places can be used. It's the same thing with solar."

Last year's proposed emissions standards were as stringent as California's, said Erickson.

The newly passed energy bill puts a "more realistic tone" on it, but by issuing those executive orders he has kick started the whole process for alternative energy in Florida, said Erickson.

Unfortunately, the governor's strict standards also retarded some processes, said Erickson. Gulf Power stopped its project which would have captured carbon dioxide and sequestered it underground because of the governor's actions, she said. This would have increased Gulf Power's carbon dioxide output.

Crist also made budget recommendations for the 2008-09 fiscal year, proposing a $200 million energy and climate change package, which would advance the policy of his executive orders, according to a news release issued by the governor's press office on Jan. 31.

The package would include $50 million for solar, wind and other renewable energies; $42.5 million to promote and develop biofuels in Florida; and $107.5 million to encourage and develop green industries and strengthen Florida's economy.

The governor signed the bill into law prior to the opening of the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change Green Technology Expo on June 26 in Miami.