HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-292RESOLUTION NO. 10-292
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING LEGISLATION TO
IMPLEMENT COST-EFFECTIVE, CLEAN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
PORTFOLIO STANDARDS (RPS) IN THE SUNSHINE STATE,
WITH MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISTRIBUTED SOLAR
AND OTHER PREFERRED RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES.
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. Florida has an abundance of clean and renewable energy (RE) sources that provide an
opportunity for cost-effective energy solutions, economic development, and significant
savings to taxpayers and rate payers alike.
2. The clean energy economy can help fuel much needed economic recovery, produce greater
efficiencies and energy savings, create jobs in the hardest hit job sectors, and foster private
sector investment in clean industry, high paying manufacturing jobs and research and
development activities.
3. According to the experts hired by the Florida Public Service Commission, the Top 3 most
technologically-viable RE alternatives in Florida are: (1) Solar PV (photovoltaic); (2) Offshore
wind; and (3) Biomass. Solar thermal technologies are also very cost-effective
and have potential widespread application. (Reference Navigant Report, p. 189)
4. Florida currently imports all of the fossil fuels used to generate electricity in the state and
consequently exports about $15 billion annually. Instead of outsourcing jobs and capital,
the Legislature should adopt an RPS and help provide the opportunity for people and
entrepreneurs to reinvest in preferred renewable energy technologies.
5. An RPS requires states to procure a percentage of generation from renewable energy. No
two programs are the same and each state must develop appropriate programs to meet
state-specific needs and capitalize on all available local resources -most notably the Sun
in the Sunshine State.
6. As of June 2010, mandatory RPS policies have been passed in 31 US states and the District
of Columbia, with six additional states approving conditional ornon-mandatory renewables
goals.
7. Because of the tremendous solar energy potential in the Sunshine State, a
specific emphasis should be given to Solar technologies and private sector investment
therein.
8. According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), those states that have
adopted an RPS have seen little change in utility rates. In fact, seventy percent (70%) of the
states with an RPS experienced less than 1 °r6 change in utility rates. Texas experienced a
rate decrease. (Reference DOE Study)
9. An RPS is a market mandate for cost-effective renewable energy alternatives through
competition, innovation and economies of scale. By opening up the clean energy economy
to private investors, average citizens, business owners, and even local governments, the
State of Florida can harness the powers of capitalism and foster the entrepreneurial spirit
of our nation.
10. Energy independence promotes national security.
11. Renewable energy will promote environmental stewardship and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
12. On June 25, 2008, Florida Governor Charlie Cristapproved awide-ranging energy bill that
intends to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy within the state while cutting
the state's emissions of greenhouse gases. House Bill 7135 required the Public Service
Commission to develop rules for a renewable portfolio standard subject to future
legislative ratification.
13. In 2009, the Florida Public Service Commission recommended an RPS to the Florida
Legislature. Although the Legislature did not enact an RPS during the 2009 Legislative
Session, there is continuing interest in opportunities to encourage the expansion of
renewable and clean energy production in Florida.
14. The Public Service Commission recommends an aggressive RPS that requires each investor
owned utility (IOU) to achieve 20 percent renewable energy by 2020. This aggressive
standard is intended to protect existing renewables and spur new renewable developers
to enter the Florida market by establishing along-term dedicated market for renewable
energy in the state.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida:
Section 1: The Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County hereby encourage
the Florida State Legislature to implement a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.
Section 2: The County Administratorisherebydirectedtosendacopyofthis resolution
to the County's Legislative Delegation, the Executive Director of the Florida Association of
Counties, and the Director of the Florida League of Cities.
Section 3: Thi~s~~all become effective upon adoption.
PASSED AND ,;.,; ~_ ~iay of November, 2010.
ATTEST:
Deputy Clerk
r
Y Y
.lJ. f
~. t ~ {,
~i
* "° ti,
••
~' .t ~''`
BOARD OF COU
ST. LUCIE CC~IV
BY:
Chai
MISSIONERS
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND