Renewable Energy Industry Chafed About Senate Energy Bill The wind industry is not responding well to today's news that the Senate is abandoning a comprehensive energy and climate bill and that the proposed plan from the Democrats has no provisions for renewable energy. After a Democratic Caucus meeting today, party leadership decided they just didn't have the votes to get a comprehensive package to the floor.

FREPA Renews call to place Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards and Public Benefits Fund on November ballot for voters FREPA calls on...Read Release Here

FREPA announces Sunshine State Renewable Energy Expo and renewable energy candidate forum to be held in Orlando The Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association (FREPA) announced today its Third Annual "Sunshine State Renewable Energy Expo and Symposium" will be held at the Orlando Rosen Plaza Hotel on July 14-15, 2010.

Concerned about House Bill, FREPA Pursues Energy Ballot Initiative. April 2010--HB 7229 eliminates all references to Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS) and emissions reductions, allows investor-owned utilities to bypass the PSC review process and discourages competitive markets. A ballot initiative would let the people decide.

FREPA Weighs in on Bills at Beginning of 2010 Session. Florida solar energy projects move forward, but costs and oversight raise concerns. Critics warn of rate increases for customers. By Julie Patel. The Sunshine State is poised to be the second largest solar energy producer in the country, thanks to three new Florida Power & Light plants that use glimmering rows of solar panels or mirrors to convert sunlight to power.

(FREPA responds to Gretna biomass plant) Burning down: New energy source is running into trouble. By Bruce Ritchie. As biomass energy supporters complain of opposition to some biomass projects around the state, a company that is proposing to build two in north Florida has suspended work on one in Gadsden County.

University of Venture Venture Lab Symposium on Florida Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.

Clean-energy Execs to Descend on Capitol Hill
FREPA members Biomass Gas and Electric and WorldWide Wind Development participate in lobby fly-in to D.C. arranged through FREPA office by request of Pew Charitible Trust and others. Lobby fly-in days happen all the time in Washington. But one sponsored by Clean Energy Works and We Can Lead seems worth a mention.

FREPA South Florida Chapter President writes:
Clean Energy's Job powerhouse. People across the country are struggling to find and keep jobs because of what many have deemed the worst economy since the Great Depression. A recent report indicates that we now have the chance to create a new clean energy economy -- one that can provide job opportunities and a bright future for people across the "Sunshine State.''

FREPA column on Florida RPS Re-Published in Los Angeles Times. This FREPA column is a few years old, but its continued relevance simply signals how Florida is stymied and indifferent about creating green jobs and a competitive renewable energy industry. Moreover, Florida could continue to lag behind other states if an RPS policy is not adopted.

FREPA Urges Congress to Extend the Biofuels Tax Credit and Make it Permanent. Tallahassee, Jan. 2010 - FREPA urges Congressional to extend the biofuels tax credit and make it permanent to form a long-term stabilizing business structure for the biofuels industry.

FREPA CleanTech Roundtable in Tallahassee on July 28 stirs debate. State representative Michelle Vasilinda explains her controversial vote on off shore oil drilling and FREPA President Michael Dobson summarizes the many challenges in Florida.

Environs Debate PSC Appointment Process. July 28, 2009 -- The leader of a group dedicated to developing renewable energy in Florida said that part of the problem with getting the market off the ground is the way the state selects members of its Public Service Commission.

During a roundtable discussion hosted by the Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association called "Florida Big Bend Cleantech Business," FREPA president Michael Dobson described the PSC as too fraught with politics because commissioners' futures depend so much on politicians. Dobson compared the Florida PSC with other states' regulatory panels, which he said are more independent and "seen as experts."

FREPA member, Florida Crystals selected as one of Florida's "Face of Climate Change." See video.

Palm Beach County loses out on planned $20 million ethanol plant. June 11, 2009 - Palm Beach County has been jettisoned as the site of a University of Florida ethanol plant. In the works for two years, the proposed $20 million research and demonstration plant was slated to be built next to Florida Crystals Corp.'s Okeelanta mill and refinery near South Bay. But University of Florida officials said Wednesday that revamped plans now call for building a smaller plant closer to Gainesville, where it will benefit from proximity to UF's faculty and staff.

Florida energy legislation killed in the house. May 2, 2009 - For the second year in a row, the Florida House killed efforts by Gov. Charlie Crist and the state Senate to pass a plan that would put the state at the forefront of the renewable energy movement.

Florida, time to get on renewable energy map. By Michael Dobson, April 7, 2009. Florida has a chance to lead, but not today. In 2008, the Florida Legislature directed the Florida Public Service Commission to develop rules for a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard for legislative passage in 2009.

Florida Renewable Energy Grants. The Executive Office of the Governor is accepting proposals for grant funding under the 2008 Florida Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies Grants Program. For more info: http://dep.state.fl.us/energy/energyact/grants.htm

The Florida Public Service Commission's Strawman Draft Rule has some positive provisions, but in total, it would establish a renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS) that is destined for failure. Other policy considerations aside, the PSC should focus on establishing a RPS that will be successful and achieve the policy goals established by the Florida Legislature, the foremost of which is the increased development of renewable energy in Florida. Unfortunately, the Strawman proposal would create a system that cannot succeed and will not result in the increased development and use of renewable energy in Florida. Read FREPA's full response to the proposal here.

FREPA responds to misinformation regarding a Tallahassee biomass plant: Biomass electric generation and the BG&E project is not a municipal solid waste incinerator. It is a woody biomass plant. It is green energy. This plant is a gasification system unlike any other. Read more.