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Scientists agree unanimously that we must immediately take action to reduce the amount CO2 and methane entering our atmosphere. Otherwise, we risk severe environmental consequences. Rooftop solar is an important component of addressing climate crisis.
Investments in solar also have economic benefits. Nationally, the job of a solar installer is one that is growing rapidly. Rooftop solar is the third most popular form of electricity in the Sunshine State. It supports almost 40,500 jobs.
These jobs and the savings that Florida residents can make by going green are at risk from anti-competitive legislation, which was introduced in both the House and Senate this legislative session.
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Senate bill SB 1024 (House bill HB 741) seeks to weaken current solar net metering laws in the state. These statutes are vital to a thriving industry.
Florida should be a leader in the fight against climate change by promoting market competition and job creation. These bills would:
- Removing language in the statute that calls for the state legislatures to promote clean, renewable energy.
- Codify anti-solar utility talking points into law (these bills were first drafted by Florida’s largest utility);
- Reduce the amount that utilities are required to compensate customers for clean, renewable energy.
- Allow utilities to impose additional charges, fees, or minimum bills that hurt Florida consumers.
Ask your representatives in Florida to oppose these bills.
Bob Moore is the senior vice-president of a Boston-based company that provides health care services. He volunteers for local nonprofit organizations. He is cochairman for the Sanibel Captiva Renewable Energy Working Group. He also co-founded the Lee County Chapter to the Climate Reality Project with his wife, Ariel Hoover. Bob and his wife have solar energy to power their home using the LCEC Net Metering program. Contact information: [email protected].
