TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Commission To Discuss Renewable Energy

ADVERTISEMENT

By CATHERINE DOLINSKI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 3, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - State utility regulators will consider today a key part of Gov. Charlie Crist's climate change agenda: stronger standards for renewable energy.

Environmentalists are calling on the Florida Public Service Commission to adopt a proposal by Crist to require 20 percent of Florida's power to come from renewable energy sources — such as wind and solar — by 2020.

Many of Florida's utility companies oppose Crist's 20-by-2020 plan, which took a beating in October when the commission's staff proposed a considerably weaker renewable energy rule instead.

The commission's staff suggested setting a 20 percent target by 2041. That goal, the environmentalists complain, is so weak that it would set Florida behind the rest of the country.

Per the Legislature's mandate, the regulating commission must submit its draft rule for by Feb. 1 for final approval by the Legislature. A vote is expected next month.

For information about today's 9:30 a.m. workshop, go to www.psc.state.fl.us/dockets/cms/docketdetails.aspx...

Reporter Catherine Dolinski can be reached at (850) 222-8382.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT