Clean, Renewable Energy
Throughout the legislative session, I supported policies to promote the development of renewable energy resources and the jobs that will be created in that growing economic sector. Also, to encourage development of new markets for sustainable and renewable energy, I supported smart investments in important public works projects in communities throughout the state.Given Florida’s budgetary crisis, however, the Legislature had to be prudent and resourceful. That’s why I backed a bipartisan effort to make clean energy technology accessible to homeowners and businesses. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, which is at the heart of HB 7179, provides local governments the flexibility to create programs to lend funds to homeowners or businesses to pay for improvements such as solar panels, high-efficiency water heaters, and storm hardening for their homes.
Another good program I strongly supported started this year also related to energy conservation. From April 16 through April 25, Florida residents were able to receive a rebate on the purchase of energy-efficient appliances. The program was a big success. Consumers saved money on the purchase price of the designated ENERGY STAR appliances, and will save money each month on their energy and water bill. Retailers all over Florida benefitted through the large increase in sales of appliances. Sales exceeded $62 million with over $4 million in sales taxes collected.
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