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Crist Dismisses GOP Criticism Of Energy Plan
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Published: July 28, 2007
ST. PETERSBURG - Republican leaders are worried that the governor who built his popularity by trying to put more money in residents' pockets will be forcing Floridians to take some back out if electric bills go up under a new energy plan.
Gov. Charlie Crist responded Friday that his orders to force power companies to lower carbon dioxide emissions and seek renewable energy sources will be good for the economy and residents.
'In the long haul, it's really going to benefit consumers, and it's certainly going to benefit Florida and it's creating economic opportunities,' Crist said. 'I really don't think there's a step back here. I really don't.'
His remarks came after House Speaker Marco Rubio this week criticized Crist's decision to set stringent emissions standards and to force companies to seek energy sources beyond oil, natural gas and coal.
In an opinion piece submitted to The Miami Herald, Rubio said Crist's initiative will hurt Florida.
'The government mandates he has proposed will not only fail to achieve their desired result, they carry actual negative consequences,' wrote Rubio, R-West Miami. 'One impact is an increase in the cost of utilities.'
Rep. Adam Hasner, a member of the House leadership team who has been heavily involved in energy issues, also questioned the effect of Crist's orders. Hasner pointed out that he is a strong supporter of renewable energy - he and his wife drive hybrid cars and he backs efforts for alternative and renewable fuel sources.
'I was dealing with renewable energy issues before renewable energy issues were cool,' said Hasner, R-Delray Beach. 'We all agree on the goals; I just think we might have a difference of opinion on the best way to get there.'
He said Crist has failed to answer an important question since he signed the orders at the end of a two-day climate change summit the governor hosted this month.
'The people of the state of Florida are going to have to have the answer to the question of 'How much is this going to cost me?'' Hasner said. 'It's going to be the governor's mission to convince the people of the state of Florida that his new policy is going to be affordable for Floridians.'
Crist, who has sought to lower homeowners insurance rates and property taxes, said power companies have a lot of economic resources and are run by smart people, and he's confident they can meet his goals. He said companies can partner on developing energy sources such as ethanol, nuclear and others.
'I'm just one of these people that sees the glass half full. It's the way I'm made and I think the more that we have the opportunity to continue to explore solar, wind, nuclear, it's going to reduce the cost on the back of the consumer, not enhance it,' Crist said.
Under Crist's orders, the Department of Environmental Protection will develop rules requiring electric companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to no greater than their 2000 level by 2017 and no greater than their 1990 level by 2025. By 2050, power companies should then reduce emissions levels to 20 percent of what they were in 1990.
Also, the Public Service Commission is directed to make rules this year that require power companies to produce at least 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources.
The state's largest power company, Florida Power & Light Co., said it supports Crist's goals. The fact that Crist helped kill the company's proposal to build a coal-burning plant makes it clear that the company has to seek other energy sources.
'We need to review what's available in the energy field and make some decisions,' said FPL spokesman Mayco Villafana. 'We, basically, have embraced where the governor is going. We think they are good goals.'
Crist said the state can help companies achieve them.
'There's economic incentives we can consider,' Crist said. 'Tax incentives, tax breaks to give them even greater incentivization, if you will, to do more of these kinds of things to keep Florida cleaner, to keep her growing strongly, to make sure that we do protect the environment.'
Later, speaking at the Florida Economic and Job Summit hosted by the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, he made it clear that energy issues will continue to be a high priority for him.
'Going green isn't just good for our environment, it's great for our economy. There is gold in green,' Crist said. 'More people will be able to enjoy our environment, more tourism will continue to come. About 85 million people come to visit Florida every single year. Well, that many more will continue to come if we just protect her, if we just take care of her.'
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