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Public Can Set Energy Direction

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By LINDA SAUL-SENA

Special to the Tribune

Published: January 24, 2009

The start of Obama's presidency is a new chance for our nation to actively push for 21st century innovations and clean technology that the public health, our natural world, and future generations deserve. Energy is a fundamental issue in our rapidly changing world, and 2009 is poised to be the year for legislative action. But citizens must participate in this important process.

On Capitol Hill, Florida has a hometown hero we should all be proud of. My hope is that other Tampa Bay congressional members will follow U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor's leadership on climate and energy. Castor has been appointed to the Energy and Commerce Committee. Castor, a former county commissioner, has hosted local forums on energy and is working with the House Speaker on keeping oil drilling away from our coast.

In the coming months, the Florida Legislature will have the ability to pass into law the executive order Gov. Charlie Christ issued 19 months ago. The Public Service commissioners' unanimous approval of Crist's goal to generate 20 percent of Florida's electricity through renewable sources by 2020 sends a strong message to the Legislature, which must ratify the rule during the spring session.

At the local level, the recent Tampa City Council approval of the 25-year franchise agreement with Tampa Electric showed that community members are thinking constructively about energy issues. A broad spectrum of the public mobilized to express concern about Tampa Electric Co.'s commitment to renewable energy. I was disappointed the agreement passed, locking the city into another 25-year dependence on a fossil fuel-based utility. Mayor Pam Iorio has committed to setting up a conservation task force that will include TECO. As energy conversations echo from the halls of Capital Hill to the chambers of Tallahassee to our nations' dinner tables, individual participation is fundamental to the political process. I hope citizens of our region will engage elected officials at all levels.

Together we can build a vibrant future that ends our reliance on archaic fossil fuels and stimulates our struggling economy with quality jobs that cannot be outsourced to foreign shores.

Linda Saul-Sena is a Tampa city councilwoman.

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