The state of Florida is the third-largest consumer of energy in the nation, and our demand for energy will increase by as much as 76 percent between now and 2030. If energy production continues only at today’s rate, there will not be enough energy to support our growing population needs. What is the next step for Florida?
With Florida projected to add at least five million new residents by 2030, availability of transportation, energy, communications, water, and growth leadership tools are vital to Florida’s job growth and could undermine the state’s economic potential if proper planning does not occur. We must pursue research and development in alternative and renewable energy technology to meet Florida’s energy needs.
Although Florida does not currently have a statewide energy policy, Governor Rick Scott, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and legislative leaders have announced plans to roll out statewide energy policy proposals. We applaud their efforts to create long-term policy solutions.
The Florida Chamber supports a long-term, comprehensive energy policy that provides for reliable, cost-effective energy sources to support economic growth. Where possible, such policy should increase energy independence, promote the use of domestic energy sources, embrace the adoption and deployment of advanced technologies and support sustainable economic growth. The state should continue to promote and foster a stable and predictable regulatory and business climate, and should continue to support energy resources that further fuel source diversification through deployment of existing and alternative energy sources.
Florida should promote energy resources and technologies which result in the creation of new jobs within the state. The state must also promote the efficient use of energy through consumer education and advanced technologies, as well as modernizing and expanding our existing energy infrastructure to ensure it’s ready for the 21st century.
David Hart, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, today issued the following statement regarding Gadsden County, Florida being selected for the Southeast’s largest solar farm.
