Florida Steps Up to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
This summer Governor Charlie Crist signed three Executive Orders initiating Florida’s energy policy. The orders emphasize reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions through state government building and vehicle contracts, electric utility emissions, and motor vehicle emissions and appliance energy efficiency standards. He also signed partnership agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom relating to climate policies and mutual economic benefits.
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Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change Developing Strategies
Created by Executive Order in July, Governor Charlie Crist’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change has already met several times this summer in its mission to develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diversify Florida’s energy resources. The team consists of 21 members appointed by the Governor in August and is chaired by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole.
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Florida Energy Commission Makes Energy Supply and Delivery Recommendations
This September the Florida Energy Commission voted on proposed energy supply and delivery recommendations. “This year energy policy has shown its true self—it affects every aspect of Floridians’ lives and is a force to be reckoned with,” said FEC Chairman Tommy Boroughs. “But the big questions are, who should do the reckoning, what is the best way to finance our energy decisions, and how do we get Floridians to engage in and support an energy policy?”
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Florida Legislative Update
The Florida Legislature held Special Session “C” October 3 to 12 to address two issues: $1.1 million worth of budget cuts, and the reinstatement of Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law.
Senate President Ken Pruitt and House Speaker Marco Rubio jointly called a Special Session "D" to cut property taxes to begin on October 12, 2007 and end at the conclusion of business or October 29, 2007.
Meanwhile the FEPA Legislative Committee is tracking many bills related to energy. For a complete list, click here.
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Store Natural Gas for State's Energy Security
by Jerry Paul
Rather than be at the mercy of the volatile market year round, it would make much more sense for utilities to draw from natural gas reserves stored along the pipelines serving Florida when prices are high, and replenish those supplies when prices are low. The Legislature and Public Service Commission should continue to pursue policies to make natural gas storage as available and open as possible to utility companies and eliminate disincentives for investment in energy infrastructure. Otherwise, Florida risks becoming another California.
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FEPA News
New liaisons to improve communications; Corrosion Committee created; conference presentations available online; publicize your job openings; FEPA committees; welcome new members, thanks to renewing ones.
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Member News
Avanti's New North Florida Rep; Akerman, Senterfitt Adds to Tallahassee Office; Wilson Communications Becomes Capitol Energy; Paradigm Offers New Program; Boardwalk Begins Southeast Expansion; El Paso Gets OK for Two New Expansions.
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Right of Way Acquisition in Florida
by Nick Bowman
Delays to pipeline construction can be mightily expensive. Engineering difficulties and budget issues are clearly a constant battle, but my concern is property rights.
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