FLORIDA SUN ENDORSES OFFSHORE OIL

Solar Advocates See Potential Boon in Plan to Explore for Energy in Florida Waters
Ryan Banfill, October 1, 2009 (Florida Solar Energy Industries Association)

"Florida’s leading advocates for solar energy today announced their support for the proposal to authorize offshore energy exploration for oil and natural gas in Florida waters.

"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, said that revenues from offshore oil and natural gas production should act as a bridge to help Florida adopt alternative and renewable energies for the future."

Florida solar advocates apparently think oil might as well fund the future as the sun sets on it. (click to enlarge)

"Florida economists Fishkind & Associates project enabling offshore energy exploration in Florida waters could produce public revenues of between $2.3 billion and $12 billion a year – without raising new taxes…"

Got a better idea? Let them know. (click to enlarge)

"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…

"In March of 2008, a statewide poll by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research found that 85
percent of those Floridians believe the Legislature should act to encourage investment in solar energy…"