Energy Program News

 “Today, the 110th Congress made a down payment on a new energy future. With the help of many Florida Representatives, the House voted to pass “The C.L.E.A.N. Energy Act of 2007” (H.R. 6). The bill reinvests more than $14 billion in handouts to Big Oil in energy efficient technologies and renewable power.

“Florida’s coast will always be threatened by offshore drilling as long as America is dependent upon oil. In a 180 degree shift from policies that prolong our oil addiction and line the pockets of polluting industries, the C.L.E.A.N. Energy Act signals that Congress is ready to start solving our energy problems.

“The C.L.E.A.N. Energy Act closes some tax loopholes for oil companies and recovers royalties from oil and gas produced in public waters. The bill also establishes a clean energy fund, creating incentives that could help Florida realize its vast potential for renewable energy and energy efficiency. By harnessing renewable energy sources like clean biofuels and solar power, we can create jobs and secure the economy of the Sunshine State. By promoting technologies to save energy such as hybrid vehicles, we can dramatically reduce our dependence on oil and save consumers money.

“The next stop is the U.S. Senate, and we urge Senators Nelson and Martinez to support this critical first step away from dependence on oil and toward a new energy future.”

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Environment Florida is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting Florida’s air, water and open spaces.  To learn more about the Campaign for a New Energy Future, visit www.EnvironmentFlorida.org.