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Iorio Proposes Task Force On Energy Conservation

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By CHRISTIAN M. WADE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 26, 2008

TAMPA - Mayor Pam Iorio has proposed creating a citizens task force to study green policies and work on implementing a citywide energy conservation initiative.

The mayor's pitch comes one week ahead of a vote by the Tampa City Council on renewal of a franchise agreement with Tampa Electric Co. and amid criticism from environmental groups over her administration's reluctance to push for "green" concessions from the utility.

"While we recognize that the franchise is legally limited in its scope, both parties have agreed that there is more that can be accomplished outside the agreement," Iorio said in a memo to council members. "Once we have the franchise agreement behind us I believe that this task force will add significantly to our green efforts as a city."

The 25-year agreement determines how much the utility pays for using the city's rights of way for its power lines. The previous contract, approved in 1986, expired last year.

Several council members wanted the city's negotiating team to push for green policies and renewable energy programs and force the utility to reduce its reliance on coal burning.

They also wanted the city to require TECO to bury its power lines, which they said would lead to fewer outages, better-looking neighborhoods and improved public safety.

City Attorney Chip Fletcher has told council members those provisions can't be part of a franchise agreement, saying the Iorio administration was working on a separate agreement with TECO on conservation and environmental initiatives.

Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena welcomed the mayor's offer to create a task force but wants to address the environmental issues before the agreement is adopted, not after.

"We need a better deal," Saul-Sena said. "One that addresses conservation issues."

Iorio and council members have wrangled over the proposed agreement for weeks.

On Nov. 6, the council voted 4-2 on a motion by Saul-Sena to reject the agreement, a move that effectively forced city officials and TECO back to the negotiating table.

Then, at a meeting one week later, Councilman Joe Caetano made an unexpected motion to reconsider the franchise agreement, which was approved 4-3.

The council's final vote on the agreement is set for Dec. 4.

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (813) 259-7679.

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