Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is confident that the Legislature will, for the first time in years, pass a comprehensive energy bill.
With passage of Floridas energy bill in the Senate, were one step closer to increasing diversity in Floridas energy portfolio, expanding energy production and creating jobs for Floridians, Putnam stated after the Senate approved its version of the bill, SB 2094, on Thursday.
The bill doesnt fully link with the House version and the two chambers must reach an agreement before the session ends sometime Friday.
Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, the sponsor of the House bill, said he is still pondering the Senate proposal, but declined to comment further as he hasnt had time to review the bill sent over earlier in the day.
Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, who worked with Putnams offices on the changes, has called the plan energy light compared to other recent efforts that have failed to advance through the Legislature.
Gardiner noted that the bill will expand renewable-energy production tax credits and allow local governments to use discretionary sales tax revenue to assist homeowners who make energy-efficiency improvements.
Putnam introduced the plan seeking to reduce the state's reliance on natural gas by advancing renewable-energy production, encouraging home-grown technologies and promoting greater energy efficiency.
Despite some last-minute concerns, language was not added to the bill on Thursday that would have allowed Florida Power & Light Co., the state's largest utility, and developer Syd Kitson to build Babcock Ranch -- a proposed solar-powered city near Fort Myers -- with the $300 million to $500 million tab being turned over to consumers, according to Putnams office.
The House effort, HB 7117, is considered to offer more pro-business protections and incentives.
If both chambers are able to mediate the parts of the plan they support, it would be the first comprehensive energy plan to be approved by the Legislature since former Gov. Charlie Crist introduced a plan in 2007 that called for sweeping reforms.
Many of Crists proposals have since remained dormant or required repeal.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
