Florida’s Energy
Future
The more Florida grows, the
more demand there will
be for energy. |
Why Does it Matter? |
Florida’s employers depend on
reliable, clean energy to run
their businesses. Every business in
the state is affected by higher
energy costs, which increases
their prices while also reducing
customers’ purchasing power.
A study by the Florida Solar
Energy Center outlined some of the
economic implications of fuel
purchase in Florida. Approximately
$43 billion was spent on fuel and
electricity in our state. At least half
($20 billion per year) leaves
Florida’s economy as fuel payments
to other states and nations.
Keeping this money in Florida
would result in $40 to $60 billion
per year in real economic activity
and job creation. That is why it is
critical for our political leaders to
continue to provide incentives and
tax credits for the creation of
energy in Florida.
|
Associated Industries of Florida
(AIF) was the first statewide
business group to endorse
exploration and drilling for oil and
natural gas in the eastern Gulf of
Mexico nearly a year ago.
Recently, it was announced that
Congress approved opening up
certain areas of the Gulf for future
exploration. Because we are realists, we not only endorsed drilling for oil
and natural gas, we also voiced support for alternative energy sources such
as the expansion of nuclear power plants, clean coal technology, and other
renewable energy sources to meet our state’s and country’s growing energy
needs.
It is no secret that America’s consumption of, and thirst for, energy is at
an all-time high. The United States Department of Energy projects that
Americans will need 45% more energy by 2030. Florida ranks 5th nationally
in the amount of energy consumed per capita. In addition, Florida is the
fourth most populous state in the union, but we have the dubious distinction
of being the third largest energy consumer. The more Florida grows the
more demand there will be for energy. Most of Florida’s electricity generation
comes from non-renewable sources — natural gas (38%), coal (29%),
and oil (17%)[1]. Recently, strong efforts have been made to increase the
amount of energy derived from renewable sources such as wind, hydro,
geothermal, and solar. Florida is already a leader in renewable energy even
though solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal sources are better suited to
other areas.
In 2006, the Florida Legislature passed SB 888, a landmark piece of legislation
that outlines and establishes clear goals in the area of energy policy.
The bill represents a good starting point for addressing Florida’s energy
needs and energy infrastructures. Still, there are many other opportunities
for growth in this sector. Recent advances in technology and research in the
area of biomass as an energy source provide enticing opportunities for energy
creation, but we must be careful not to ignore other more traditional
sources. Renewable energy sources must be part of a balanced solution and
must be implemented in a fair and cost-effective manner. AIF and its Florida
Energy Council (FEC) applaud efforts such as Commissioner Charlie
Bronson’s “Farm to Fuel” initiative, which hopes to steer Florida’s agricultural
industry towards providing the stock needed for creating energy in
the form of ethanol and biomass.
[1] Source: US Department of Energy |
