Floridians are willing to pay slightly more for utilities if more of that power comes from renewable sources, a TaxWatch-sponsored poll says.
A survey of 800 voters who are utility customers found that more than 80 percent of respondents support policies that increase renewable energy production in Florida. Seventy percent said paying a dollar or more on that monthly utility bill is reasonable for renewable power generation.
Noting the job-creation potential of such energy ventures, TaxWatch president and CEO Dominic Calabro said, The benefits of a vibrant renewable energy policy should far outweigh both environmental and financial costs over the long term."
"However," he added, "it is important to ensure consumers are ready and willing to make the necessary investment, particularly in this very tough economy."
A 2009 econometric analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimated that the installation of 1,500 megawatts of solar energy production would create 45,000 jobs directly and approximately 50,000 jobs indirectly throughout the state.
Respondents to the McLaughlin & Associates survey rated solar power as the most favored form of renewable energy (87 percent). Other sources were natural gas (78.6 percent), wind (77.5 percent) and waste to energy (67.4 percent).
Skeptics have questioned the job-creation calculations for solar, noting that once online, such projects require very few employees.
Advocates of biomass (waste to energy) say their more labor-intensive technology will generate far more local jobs over the long run.
State Senate President-elect Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, speaking at an energy conference in Orlando this summer, called for an "all-energy" solution that would diversify Florida's generating capacity with a goal of increasing renewable output.
Lawmakers have, thus far, eschewed setting minimum requirements for green power production. Major stumbling blocks have been concerns about higher costs and fears of monopolistic behavior by large, publicly owned utilities.
State Sen. Joe Gibbons, D-Pembroke Park, has said he would introduce legislation to implement a renewable portfolio standard for the state.
Calabro said alternative energy programs can help to kick-start Florida's economy.
Floridians are looking for leadership and appear ready to support substantive policies that will solve both immediate and long-term challenges that face our state and economy, Calabro said.
"Our newly elected leaders should be encouraged by Floridians willingness to embrace renewable energy policies that can get people back to work sooner rather than later.
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Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 801-5341.
