False WTVT Story Leads Solar Energy Group to Issue Statement of Oil Drilling Support

On Oct. 7, WTVT in Tampa inaccurately reported that the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association, Florida's leading solar industry trade group, is reconsidering a position taken last week on offshore oil drilling.

In response to that inaccurate story, FlaSEIA on Oct. 8, 2009 issued the following press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2009

Solar Energy Group Stands Firm on Offshore Drilling

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s leading solar energy group today reiterated its position that revenues from offshore oil and natural gas production in Florida waters should act as a bridge for the state to adopt alternative and renewable energies. In spite of false and erroneous reports, that position is unchanged.

The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association, the premier group representing Florida manufacturers, distributors, contractors and retailers who provide solar water heating and solar electric systems, made its position clear in a Sept. 8 letter to Rep. Dean Cannon. In the letter, the group stated that so long as the state implemented the highest possible environmental safeguards, it would support the use of revenues from oil and natural gas drilling to invest in renewable energy technologies that will reduce Florida’s reliance on foreign oil and other fossil fuels.

Offshore oil and natural gas production could generate produce public revenues of between $2.3 billion and $12 billion a year – without raising new taxes, according to projections by Florida economists Fishkind & Associates.

“The Florida Solar Energy Industry Association believes revenues from oil and gas drilling could provide a dedicated revenue source for programs that invest in renewable energy technologies,” said Bruce Kershner, executive director of the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association. “We believe the proposal to tap Florida’s offshore energy resources, with stringent environmental protections, can help move our state toward renewable energies that will reduce our country’s dependence on fossil fuels over the long term.”

The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association has long been a vocal supporter of the Florida Solar Energy System Incentives Program to provide rebates to homeowners and businesses on the purchase of solar energy equipment, but due to the state’s budget crisis, the program did not receive state funding in 2009. Instead, the program received temporary federal stimulus funds that will disappear in less than two years. Revenues from offshore drilling should be invested in making this program permanent, Kershner said.

“The proposal to drill in Florida state waters has the potential to create a cleaner and wealthier future for Florida if it provides a sustainable funding source for the development of vibrant programs that will help Florida become a leader in the solar energy industry,” Kershner said. “The economic development potential of providing green employment opportunities and attracting high-tech, high-wage renewable energy companies to Florida rivals any real or perceived threat that state-of-the-art offshore drilling poses to Florida.”

For more information on solar energy in Florida, please visit the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association Web site at www.flaseia.org.

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In response, the Florida House Majority Office issued the following statement from Rep. Seth McKeel of Lakeland:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2009

DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER SETH MCKEEL LAUDS SOLAR INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR ENERGY EXPLORATION

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Deputy House Majority Leader Seth McKeel (R-Lakeland) issued the following statement regarding the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association’s support of energy exploration in Florida waters.

“The small business owners of the Florida Solar Energy Industry Association understand that it is going to take a combination of measures - conservation, alternative fuel sources and increased domestic production - to ensure abundant and affordable energy to move Florida and America forward.

“Every other Gulf State is utilizing their available energy resources, and so should Florida. Moving forward with energy exploration off Florida’s coasts helps maximize our resources to build a bridge to the clean technology of the future and the new jobs that solar energy technologies will provide for Floridians.

“It’s a commonsense approach in these tough economic times, and Florida’s solar energy leaders deserve recognition for being foresighted in their approach to our state’s energy future.”



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