Legislation promotes energy conservation

Monday, June 19, 2006

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Companies that want to build nuclear facilities in Florida will benefit from the plan.

Governor Jeb Bush signed into law Monday a $100 million plan to diversify Florida's fuel supply and promote conservation.

Bush said the primary goals of the new energy law are to reduce the state's dependence on fossil fuels and to save consumers money. It will provide incentives for companies that want to build nuclear facilities in Florida.

Bush said modern nuclear technology is safe and can provide a long-term source of clean energy.

"It will still take a decade to build additional nuclear capacity in our state," said Bush. "It should be done thoughtfully. But it should not be prohibited, which our law now has put the state in that position."

The law also calls for a sales tax holiday on energy-efficient appliances, thus from Oct. 6-11, if you buy a refrigerator, washer-dryer or dishwasher with the energy star symbol, you will not have to pay state sales tax on it.

Bush said part of the new energy plan will provide rebates of up to $20,000 for residents who install solar energy systems in their homes and will provide up to $100,000 in rebates for businesses that install solar energy systems.

Before he signed the bill into law, Bush took part in a symbolic groundbreaking for the state's first major ethanol production facility at the Port of Tampa. The plant is designed to produce up to 40 million

Bush, second from left, was in Tampa for the ceremony Monday.

gallons of ethanol each year, which would save consumers money at the pumps, and help many Florida farmers make money.

United States EnviroFuels President Bradley Krohn said in time the plant will process 15 million bushels of corn and other products grown mainly by local farmers.

"In fact, we may be able to source as much of our feed stock from local growers, some 50 percent of our plant's requirements within two to five years," said Krohn.