Americans for Prosperity Urges Rick Scott to Veto Energy Bill

Urging Rick Scott not to "follow in the president's footsteps," Americans for Prosperity today called on the governor to veto a state energy bill.

Criticizing House Bill 7117, the Florida chapter of AFP wrote: This misguided political ideology of picking winners and losers in the marketplace will undoubtedly continue its pattern of wasting taxpayer money by bankrolling politically-favored energy companies. It leads to crony capitalism and crony politics.

"We certainly dont need a Solyndra-type boondoggle here in Florida. Subsidizing renewable-energy production will not only distort the marketplace but will actually drive the cost of energy up and undermine Floridas rebounding economy."

APF-FL president Slade O'Brien said his group's activists -- "from 110 politically active, independent, free-market and grassroots organizations" -- sent more than 5,200 emails in opposition to HB 7117 and its companion, SB 2094, during the 2012 legislative session.

"Unfortunately, the majority of the legislators simply failed to listen to their own constituents and ignored the numerous examples of government subsidies failing to create a market for uncompetitive renewable technologies," O'Brien said.

The Tea Party Network, a coalition of 86 tea and patriot groups around Florida, earlier urged Scott to veto the measure.