SB 1272- Relating to Florida Renewable Energy Production Credit
On Tuesday, February 2nd, SB 1272, relating to Florida Renewable Energy Production Credit, by Senator Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange) was heard before the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee and passed with 7 yeas and 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.
SB 1272 makes the Florida renewable energy production credit statute, that was set to expire in 2017, permanent and increases the annual cap on the total credits from the current $10 million to $15 million per year. This bill also deletes a provision that states any unused credit funding in a fiscal year is to be used to fund renewable energy technologies and replaces it with a provision to carry forward the excess funds.
The next committee stop for SB 1272 will be in the Senate Finance and Tax Committee.
AIF supports legislation that will make the Florida renewable energy production credit permanent due to the cost savings it would provide Florida companies and due to it helping to diversify Florida's energy portfolio.
SB 90- Relating to Natural Gas Rebate Program
On Wednesday, February 3rd, SB 90, relating to the Natural Gas Rebate Program, by Senator Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) passed through Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously with 18 yeas and 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.
Since 2013 there has been a Natural Gas Fuel Fleet Vehicle Rebate Program (Program) created within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to “help reduce transportation costs in this state and encourage freight mobility investments that contribute to the economic growth of the state.” Beginning with Fiscal Year 2013-2014 and continuing through Fiscal Year 2017-2018 (five years), DACS is required to award rebates, to those eligible, for the costs of converting a diesel- or gasoline-powered motor vehicle to a natural gas fuel-powered motor vehicle on or after July 1, 2013. An applicant is eligible to receive a maximum rebate of $25,000 per vehicle up to a total of $250,000 per applicant per fiscal year, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Two amendments, by Senator Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange) were adopted today. One amendment made only technical changes to the bill while the other made changes to applicants who can receive the excess funds from the Program. Before this amendment, DACS had the authority to use any unencumbered funds to award additional rebates to those who may have already received the rebate. After the adoption of this amendment governmental applicants will have preference to these funds and any excess funds beyond that may be used by commercial applicants. These rebates will still be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants.
SB 90 will now go to the floor of the Senate for consideration.
AIF supports the natural gas fuel fleet vehicle rebate program, specifically the authorization of DACS to award additional rebates to applicants from unencumbered funds after each fiscal year.
