Energy In the News

I am disappointed that Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Orlando, voted against including crucial incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Senate economic stimulus package.

Since the package came up just one vote short, the senator's decision could mean extinguishing one of the few bright lights in a dimming economic outlook.

The loss of these incentives could cost the U.S. economy as many as 75,000 jobs, according to the American Wind Energy Association, in an industry accounting for 30 percent of new electricity generation last year.

The defeated clean energy incentives would not only stimulate the economy in the short-term by continuing job creation and spurring investment, but also would help solve global warming and promote long-term growth in the clean energy industry.

I urge Congress to make haste in finding another way to extend these critical incentives, before the lights go out on the burgeoning clean energy industry.

Adam Rivera

Environment Florida

Tallahassee