This past Monday, US Solar welcomed a new group to its solar training classroom – The Sunshine State Clean Energy Coalition hosted by the Florida Sierra Club.
The group came together to learn more about some of the important initiatives that are currently affecting the environment in the state of Florida. Two of the main topics of discussion were “Beyond Coal Florida” and “Floridians for Solar Choice”.
Beyond Coal is a nation-wide campaign run by the Sierra Club fighting to transition away from coal and towards clean energy. Sierra Club organizer Tim Heberlein traveled to Fort Lauderdale from Tampa for the event and discussed the current state of coal versus clean energy in the Florida. Many attendees were surprised to learn that Florida still uses coal as a power source. The common perception is that Florida utilities have shifted competely to natural gas – this is not the case. According to data published by the Sierra Club, Florida actually has the 5th highest greenhouse gas pollution from its fossil fuel-burning power plants.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Florida ranks very low in comparison with the rest of the country for installed solar capacity per capita. Florida is trying to put positive policies in place that will move this ranking in a positive direction. Attorney George Cavros attended the event as well and discussed a petition initiative. The initiative is an organized effort to collect 700,000 signed petitions in order to place the solar initiative on the 2016 general election ballot. If passed, the measure would amend the Florida Constitution to allow the sale of solar-generated electricity by persons other than utilities.
Throughout the evening, Sierra Club members were able to learn about the campaigns, how the petitions work, and how they can get involved to help gather more signatures. “The main take-away from tonight’s event is that we all need to do our part to help educate the Sunshine State about the current state of our environment and what we can do to change that in a positive way.” Said Ray Johnson, of US Solar. “The petition initiative could make changes to give Florida the opportunity to vote for financing options in the 2016 election.”
About US Solar Institute: US Solar Institute is licensed by the Florida Department of Education to offer PV diplomas, the Florida Department of Businesses and Professional Regulation, and the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board as a continuing education provider. Classes are offered in person at their Fort Lauderdale, Florida headquarters, as well as online through MyUSSI.com. US Solar Institute is also a partner of Underwriter Laboratories and a NABCEP PV Exam Provider.