Not So Sunny in the Sunshine State

see updated note at bottom

Florida’s Anti-Solar Ruling; Not So Sunny in the Sunshine State

Last week, while we were giving thanks for all our blessings, Florida took one of those blessings away. Ironically, the Sunshine State decided to kick the sun to the curb, as its Public Service Commission voted to eliminate the state’s solar rebates and slash energy efficiency objectives for power companies by more than 90%. When one considers that certain areas along South Florida’s Coast, have been openly referred to as the ground zero of climate change, this decision is nothing short of unconscionable.

From EPA Website

In a 3-2 vote the Public Service Commission (PSC) made the decision prompted by the recommendations from three of the state’s largest energy companies: Tampa Electric, Duke Energy and Florida Power and Light. Needless to say the decision did not set well with environmentalists, conservationists and other renewable energy proponents. Among the most vocal challengers of the decision was Commissioner Lisa Edgar, who said she was “uncomfortable going to the reduced goals”. In a statement made prior to the vote, Ms. Edgar said: “It is a policy and it is a statement, as a state, of what our energy policies are.”

Another outspoken dissenter was Stephen Smith, Executive Director of The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE), who believes the PSC vote indicates its abandonment of its concern and commitment to Florida’s environment and energy consumers. “Instead of siding with customers, the PSC sided with monopoly utility shareholders, once again, by setting meager goals that promote the construction of new power plants — which earn the companies a hefty profit, while leaving fewer opportunities for customers to lower energy use and save money on bills.”

Several demonstrations prior to November’s gubernatorial election in favor of Democratic Candidate Charlie Crist, a friend of solar and renewable energy causes proved futile as Crist lost to incumbent Rick Scott, whose campaign allegedly received millions in support from utility companies.

Despite its extreme environmental vulnerability, on the whole, the State of Florida remains passive when it comes to supporting renewables and sustainability. Their stringent posture is difficult to fathom particularly in light of a 2012 prediction by Benjamin Strauss, Climate Central’s COO, who warned that the rising sea level was so serious, it could result in the eventual evacuation of the state’s southeast coastal communities. Last May, Strauss’s admonitions were reinforced by the poor valuation the region received in the White House’s National Climate Assessment report, which stated :”… “just inches of sea level rise will impair the capacity of storm water drainage systems to empty into the ocean…”

Actually, I have a difficult time understanding how any individual can ignore the impact of climate change and carbon emissions on our planet. The effects are all around us. Every day, we witness their disastrous impact on all forms of life. Science has come so far to provide us with proof of our dangerous climatic conditions as well as viable solutions to reverse them only to have those solutions ignored. Florida’s Public Service Commission will have to answer for the many lives it has put at risk through its irresponsible ruling.

Edward DuCoin - 856 304 2800

Added Comment

I am happy this post has received attention. I have received 50 + emails and the article has been picked up nationally. A comment was made about the article that I think is important. The comment and my response are below:

COMMENT

That map is really jumping into the future a bit. 2080 wow. Most of us here will be dead and gone by then. Let's worry more about today rather then 60+ years from now. By then solar power will be more effective.

RESPONSE

Joe – I agree - let's focus on today - while we consider the future.

There are people (many politicians) in denial on climate change. The map is not "saying" do not focus on today, just the opposite. The map “shows" that if we do not focus on today - our grandkids will be screwed.

I am 49 years old and I remember the crying Indian TV commercial about people polluting on the side of the road. In 1975 I use to fish in a "polluted lake."

Now most roads are clean and it is rare you see someone throw trash out a window.

Kids now swim in that same lake.

How about seats belts? In 1970, at age 5, I would lay on the backseat ledge - by the back window of my parent’s car (most likely watching people throwing trash from their cars).

These two actions - polluting and allowing a child to be in a moving car UN-restrained would be strange conduct today. We know better now but then - eh - not a big deal.

Our grandkids will appreciate our efforts and maybe even our results. They will "be like" how could you let it get that far? How naive were you?

We (us over 45) say the same thing about the polluted lakes of the 1970's and kids without seat belts. I am sure I said to my parents, “How could your generation let the lakes get so polluted? How naive was your generation to allow us to ride in a car with no seat belts?”

The earth moves at a different speed. I need to loose 25 lbs. I could – if pushed hard – do that in a healthy manner in 90 days.

For the earth – to have the same type of result would take 100+ years to obtain the fat and I pray only 100 years to loose it. Could be 1,000 years.

The Indian should be crying today about what is being ignored about climate change.