Time for Florida to exploit its biofuels potential
Looking at the mess in the Gulf of Mexico, it’s easy for the public to be angry, scared, or disgusted. For some, it’s all of those things. But whatever our emotional response to the big blowout, we need to productively channel it to something better, something different, and something that provides us with a new direction.
First thing: Leadership. This state desperately needs a leader to motivate and focus the support of others to move us closer to a clean energy economy. Just two years ago we saw a glimpse of this when the Florida Legislature took action through HB 7135. This bill moved the Sunshine State from almost last to virtually first in solar energy deployment. In fact, we are now second only to California in utility-scale deployment of solar energy, and we did that in one political session. Imagine what we could do by focusing the raw emotion from the spill into new policies that position us for new clean energy development of Florida biofuels.
You may not know it, but Florida is the richest state in the nation in terms of biomass. This natural resource provides a variety of clean energy alternatives derived from sources beginning with algae and agriculture waste. Florida can do with agriculture what the 2008 Legislature did for cutting-edge solar deployment.
But this can only be accomplished with inspirational, visionary leadership. We’re ready. Show us the leader.
Second thing: Incentives. Calling on my public and private sector experience, I have a real understanding of the tools necessary to jumpstart an industry, and enhance new market entry into this sector.
Through proper oversight of Florida’s Renewable Energy Grant Program, Florida now has the largest roof top solar installation program in the Southeast, numerous ethanol facilities underway, and the nation’s first public transportation biofuel blending facility owned and operated by LYNX in Central Florida.
New state tax incentives, coupled with the existing Federal Government mandate to produce 22 billion gallons of ethanol by 2022, can yield similar results. Small steps like these will provide Florida famers with a new focus and provide the construction industry with new projects to build.
Economic incentives will provide Florida with much needed closed-loop economy whereby we grow, refine, and produce our own fuel for Florida consumers. This is extremely important because our state relies almost exclusively on others to provide our fuel. For example, we import all our natural gas from the Gulf coast states, coal from the Appalachian states, uranium from Canada, and oil from foreign nations. Virtually none of our fuel is produced here.
If Florida is serious about transitioning away from fossil fuel, and providing economic opportunities within the state, then industry needs to know that there is a reliable Florida feedstock available that doesn’t cause more problems than it solves. Smart moves now will provide Florida with “first mover advantages” in this market segment, and solidify Florida as a leader in the clean energy sector for decades to come.
Third thing: Remove the obstacles. The news here is excellent as the Florida Legislature just took steps to remove barriers for permitting biofuels facilities. This past session the Florida Legislature passed expedited permitting legislation for all renewable energy facilities recognized by Florida Law. The biggest steps in this legislation were the consolidated public hearings and firm time-frames for project reviews by state agencies. These steps will continue to allow the public to voice concerns at a public hearings but disallow repetitive and multiple bites at the apple. This is a much-needed “shot in the arm” for an emerging industry while still maintaining the public’s voice.
If we want the alternatives, we have to make sure that Florida is positioned to capitalize on clean energy.
Looking at the mess in the Gulf of Mexico, it’s easy for the public to be angry, scared, or disgusted. We have to replace the angry, the scared, and the disgusted with those who are determined, focused, and committed to new economic opportunities in the clean energy sector. To accomplish this, we desperately need political leadership, financial incentives, and removal of obstacles to a better future where the production of fuel does not threaten our vibrant tourism industry or the quality of our lives.
The next step is ours. Please contact your state representative to support Florida biofuels.
Jeremy Susac,
Executive Director
Florida Biofuels Association
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