MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Florida Renewable Energy Producers Association (FREPA) is to represent both the interests of developers, operators of independent clean and renewable energy facilities and independent power marketers to advance the development and commercialization of sustainable, environmentally preferable renewable energy producers of power, fuels, and chemicals from agricultural, forestry, solar, and urban sources of biomass and waste. How do we do it? We do that by advocating on the behalf of third party energy producers and otherwise large scale plants focused on producing electric power which consist of: solar, biomass, waste to energy, wind as well as clean coal and nuclear when it does not interfere with the advancement or renewable energy generation from Florida natural resources. We advocate for a level playing field for all clean and renewable technologies. And, because agriculture is such a large part of Florida’s economy and energy potential, when mutually beneficial to our over arching goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support efforts of our biofuels industry so that we use more clean fuel. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Serve as a unified voice for Florida clean/renewable energy producers and their industry. The goal is to inform and advise policymakers on the broad-based environmental and economic benefits of developed  clean/renewable energy projects and production in Florida. To promote the commercialization of clean/renewable energy production, including reduction of petroleum dependency, greenhouse gas emissions, and air toxics; and enhancement of the State's agricultural base, air and water quality, landfill diversion, forest health and wildfire protection, and economic development. Advocating fair and efficient competition among wholesale and retail suppliers of electricity and other potentially competitive electric resources, including renewable, fossil-fueled, demand response providers, and conservation technologies. Support a mixture of clean energy sources.  When mechanisms are employed to maintain a level playing field and fair competition that does not infringe on renewable energy generation, support nuclear energy as well as research and technologies that make coal a cleaner energy choice.  FREPA is convinced that our world's energy needs will not be sustained solely through traditional renewable technologies, but it will require other clean technologies as well. Promote the development of a comprehensive renewable energy policy for the State of Florida that prioritizes growth in the renewable energy industry, and that furthers alternative energy research and development to meet policy objectives for energy security, pollution abatement, and rural economic development. Work hand in hand with Florida’s investor owned utilities, municipal utilities and Florida electric cooperative to help facilitate our mutual goals of developing more clean energy to be consumed by Florida families. Promoting and maintaining open, nondiscriminatory access to utility transmission and distribution systems for all market participants. Facilitate a dialogue with the Legislature, and with relevant State agencies, including the Florida Public Service Commission, the Florida Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure a collaborative and coordinated approach to the accomplishment of State renewable energy policy objectives. Promote the development and expansion of renewable power generation from agricultural, forestry, and urban biomass residues through expansion of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), net-metering and distributed energy options, production incentives, and statutory/regulatory reforms that remove obstacles to the beneficial use of biogas and synthesis gas. Promote the development and expansion of Florida renewable fuels production from agricultural crops, bio-oils, forestry residues, urban waste residues, other cellulosic biomass, and waste  through the establishment of a Florida Renewable Fuels Portfolio Standard (RFPS), Florida greenhouse gas and climate change policy, financing and production incentives, performance-based regulatory standards, and the removal of statutory/regulatory impediments to renewable energy conversion such as biomass, bio fuels, solar, wind, water and viable technologies. Support the development and expansion of biofuel manufacturing through the incorporation of biobased products into State and local procurement policies, and through State coordination with USDA and other federal agencies to integrate Florida agricultural crops, economic incentives, and product testing programs with biobased industries. Educate the public about the environmental and economic benefits of a strong renewable energy production industry, and pursue broad-based coalitions for accomplishment of the FREPA mission. Obtaining input from and building consensus among all private and public sector interests involved in the development of competitive electric markets, as well as those that supply goods or services to such markets. Be a partner for Florida’s utilities as they strive for ways to put more power generated from clean and natural sources unto their grids so that it is done in a safe and reliable way so that their customers continue to get the service they deserve.