The state needs to be less reliant on natural gas for its energy, especially when the majority of that source of power comes through just two pipelines from the Gulf Coast, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said.
Putnam intends to submit an energy package for the Legislature to consider in the next week that he says would push Florida and the Public Service Commission to diversify its energy portfolio to seek more nuclear power and renewable sources.
Were a state that generates over half our electricity from natural gas, and if you look at the plans on the books for future expansion its going to be in the 70's, over 70 percent, power generation in the state derived from natural gas, said Putnam during a meeting with media Thursday.
You wouldnt manage your savings with 70 percent in one place, no one would give you that guidance.
He noted that there are only two natural gas pipelines in the state, both originating from Gulf Coast states, which puts the state at risk of man-made or natural disaster.
Putnam said his proposal will focus on three areas:
Remove regulatory barriers that prevent the expansion of renewable energy opportunities in the state.
Revive the business credits and incentives that expired last year in Florida that were put in place before the industry was mature enough to take advantage of them.
Require the Public Service Commission to consider fuel diversity when making decisions about new power sources.
To have a responsible, long-term policy, to make sure the lights never go out in the state of Florida, like they have in the Northeast and California, it means that youre going to generate your electricity from a variety of sources, Putnam said.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or (772) 215-9889.
