February 01, 2011
Status:
Adopt Resolution #11-78, in support of a Renewable Energy Policy.
The Board of Directors of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance has asked for our support of the expedient passage of a renewable energy policy in Florida. They believe a renewable energy policy would create significant economic and social opportunities for our state by immediately stimulating the economy, reducing unemployment and providing millions of dollars in new revenues to local governments.
It would create a new industry and with it, a substantial number of direct and indirect jobs in Florida. The jobs created by this industry would allow for the development of a broad and diverse sector including positions in research and development, equipment manufacturing, project development and construction, system assembly and import/export. Growth of this industry would lead to increased revenues for the state, energy independence from fossil fuels and a cleaner environment.
A renewable energy policy would encourage the development of diverse forms of renewable energy projects including large scale solar, biomass, wind, ocean-based, and rooftop solar, with a cost cap to protect Florida consumers. This type of policy would establish a sustainable market for renewable energy, and provide incentives for companies to relocate to Florida from out of state and overseas to create jobs at a time when unemployment is at record highs across the state.
Thirty-six states plus the District of Columbia currently have renewable energy policies and Florida should join this list. These states are reaping the benefits of a clean energy economy by attracting industries that could be coming to Florida. Other countries have also positioned themselves to capture existing and future renewable markets with significant manufacturing capability through the creation of over 1 million clean energy jobs.
There is no financial impact to the district.
Requested Action
Adopt Resolution #11-78, in support of a Renewable Energy Policy.
Summary
The Board of Directors of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance has asked for our support of the expedient passage of a renewable energy policy in Florida. They believe a renewable energy policy would create significant economic and social opportunities for our state by immediately stimulating the economy, reducing unemployment and providing millions of dollars in new revenues to local governments.
It would create a new industry and with it, a substantial number of direct and indirect jobs in Florida. The jobs created by this industry would allow for the development of a broad and diverse sector including positions in research and development, equipment manufacturing, project development and construction, system assembly and import/export. Growth of this industry would lead to increased revenues for the state, energy independence from fossil fuels and a cleaner environment.
A renewable energy policy would encourage the development of diverse forms of renewable energy projects including large scale solar, biomass, wind, ocean-based, and rooftop solar, with a cost cap to protect Florida consumers. This type of policy would establish a sustainable market for renewable energy, and provide incentives for companies to relocate to Florida from out of state and overseas to create jobs at a time when unemployment is at record highs across the state.
Thirty-six states plus the District of Columbia currently have renewable energy policies and Florida should join this list. These states are reaping the benefits of a clean energy economy by attracting industries that could be coming to Florida. Other countries have also positioned themselves to capture existing and future renewable markets with significant manufacturing capability through the creation of over 1 million clean energy jobs.
School Board Goals
| Goal Seven: Environmental Stewardship (2008-2011) |
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact to the district.
Source of Additional Information
Merrie Meyers 754-321-1970
Associated File Attachments
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Renewable Energy Resolution (Files) | |
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ExecutedCompleteCopy (Files) |