Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Joe HendersonSeptember 16, 2016

In the Aug. 30 primary, Florida voters made it unmistakably clear how they feel about solar energy. Nearly 73 percent of them voted to approve an amendment providing a tax break for businesses that convert to solar power. That was just what backers of clean energy in Florida wanted, of course. Now they have a […]

Mitch PerryAugust 30, 2016

A constitutional amendment intended to expand the use of solar power in Florida has passed. The measure is winning statewide by a huge 73 percent to 27 percent margin. The measure needed 60 percent to win. Amendment 4 exempts solar devices and equipment from being subject to the personal tangible property tax. A business that currently has solar […]

Peter SchorschAugust 28, 2016

Agriculture-Commissioner-Adam-Putnam-L-and-FPL-President-and-CEO-Eric-Silagy-simultaneously-pull-the-switches-on-the-first-two-beams-at-the-Manatee-Solar-E-1024x1024.jpg

With pro-solar constitutional amendments on ballots this year, it’s a good time to talk about the state of clean energy in Florida. Contrary to the fear-and-loathing narrative that portrays the Sunshine State as a clean energy laggard, the reality is Florida’s energy landscape is bright. Consider these widely repeated claims: “Florida ranks third in solar potential […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterAugust 9, 2016

Calls to send the water south of appear to have been heard. Senate President Designate Joe Negron announced Tuesday he planned to push lawmakers to set aside money to purchase land for water storage south of Lake Okeechobee. The Stuart Republican said he has identified two areas — an area south of the lake that straddles […]

Anne LindbergAugust 2, 2016

As he’s walked Florida’s House District 68 the past weeks, candidate Ben Diamond says he’s found one overriding issue among voters: a concern for the environment and the state’s waterways. So, on Tuesday, Diamond held a news conference to unveil a six-point plan he says he’ll work to pass if elected. “I’m running for the […]

Peter SchorschJuly 14, 2016

Trouble in South Florida in the Indian River Lagoon, and the estuary and coastline fed by the St. Lucie River, have many rightfully up in arms. The United States Army Corp of Engineers recently released billions of gallons of water from Lake Okeechobee to protect the integrity of the Herbert Hoover Dike around the lake. While […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 13, 2016

U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham is responding forcefully — with a call for a special session of the Florida Legislature — to a letter written by Florida Gov. Rick Scott regarding the federal government’s role in the developing crisis along the state’s Treasure Coast, where algae blooms are creating an emergency-level natural disaster. Earlier this week, Scott […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJuly 13, 2016

A new report is encouraging lawmakers to study the impact Lake Okeechobee water releases have on the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries. The call for a study was just one of the priorities outlined in a new report released by the the James Madison Institute on Monday. The paper — written by Dan Peterson, director […]

Jim RosicaJune 1, 2016

Advocacy groups suing the Legislature over environmental funding now are asking a judge to hand them the win. Florida Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club and others filed a 57-page motion for summary judgment Wednesday. Granting such motions allows parties to win a case without a trial. They filed suit last year over Amendment 1, the constitutional amendment approved […]

Mitch PerryMay 11, 2016

Consumers for Solar Choice, the group behind the controversial solar power amendment that will go before Florida voters in November, has raised their most campaign contributions to date in April, bringing in $8,521,125 — by far their largest one-month total since kicking off their campaign last July. That $8.5 million came from just 14 different contributors, […]

Tag: Amendment 1
No on 4

Joe Henderson: For solar energy supporters, Amendment 1 raises red flags

Amendment 4 wins — measure would expand solar power in Florida

Eric Silagy: Florida Power & Light endorses solar amendments, urges optimism about clean energy in Florida

Joe Negron says he’ll push for funding to buy land south of Lake O

Ben Diamond proposes plan for protecting Florida’s environment, water quality

Daniel Peterson: Keeping on track to solve the Everglades riddle

Gwen Graham fires back at Rick Scott, calls for special session to deal with algae disaster

James Madison Institute tackles ‘Everglades Riddle’ in new report

Plaintiffs seek summary judgment in Amendment 1 suit

‘Consumers for Smart Solar’ initiative brings in more than $8.5 million in April