Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMarch 2, 2016

The Tallahassee attorney for Earthjustice, a national environmental law organization, is calling a proposed state constitutional amendment on solar power “a disguised attempt to derail rooftop solar in Florida.” The Florida Supreme Court had scheduled oral arguments for the hotly contested proposal for 11 a.m. March 7 with no more than 30 minutes allowed for each side. Among […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 24, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday rescheduled oral arguments for a hotly-contested proposed constitutional amendment on solar power. Arguments are now set for 11 a.m. on March 7, the court announced, with no more than 30 minutes allowed for each side. Among other requirements, proposed amendments to the state constitution must be OK’d by the court to ensure they cover only […]

Kimberly DeFalcoFebruary 13, 2016

At the site of the future Manatee Solar Energy Center in Parrish, Florida Power & Light executives, environmentalists, state and local officials cheered as a groundbreaking ceremony significantly changed the dynamics of solar power in the Sunshine State. At 10:50 a.m. Thursday, FPL President and CEO Eric Silagy and Agricultural Commissioner Adam Putnam flipped the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 12, 2016

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium saw a boost in attendance in the years since the 2011 release of “Dolphin Tale.” That spike in attendance contributed to a $2 billion economic boost to Pinellas County, according to an economic impact study released this week. The study found that 44,440 jobs were supported by the aquarium over the […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

As promised, the backers of one proposed solar-power constitutional amendment have filed a legal brief opposing the other and asked for oral argument. Floridians for Solar Choice, supported by the solar industry and business and consumer interests, on Monday filed its opposition brief against the utility-backed Consumers for Smart Solar. Its attorneys advanced the filing earlier in […]

Phil AmmannDecember 19, 2015

It’s an unfortunate fact of life, but one we deal with every day. As time goes on, nearly everyone expects to pay more for basics such as food, housing and other utilities. However, one necessity has actually been getting cheaper at the same time: electricity. A new email from Duke Energy reminds consumers that, for […]

Jim RosicaNovember 11, 2015

Of the groups behind two solar-power constitutional amendments competing to get on the 2016 ballot, one currently has more signatures, but the other now has raised gobs more cash. The utility-backed Consumers for Smart Solar has raised nearly $3.8 million, including $2.3 million in October alone, according to online campaign finance reports. The latest disclosures were due […]

Mitch PerryNovember 6, 2015

The Everglades Coalition, an alliance of more than 50 local, state and national conservation and environmental organizations dedicated to full restoration of America’s Everglades, has endorsed the constitutional amendment being advocated by the group Floridians for Solar Choice. “Water quantity and quality are critical for Everglades restoration, yet the Everglades ecosystem has competing demands for water […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 14, 2015

Fundraising appears to have stalled for the committee backing an amendment making it easier for consumers to buy and sell solar power while donations to its industry-backed rival show no sign of slowing down. Floridians for Solar Choice brought in just $591 for August while it spent more than $135,000. That’s a major drop off […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 10, 2015

Supporters of a proposed ballot initiative aimed at allowing individuals and businesses to own or lease solar equipment to generate their own electricity announced Thursday morning that they have collected their first 100,000 signed petitions. Advocates for the measure, calling themselves Consumers for Smart Solar, issued a statement saying that they are well on their way […]

Tag: Duke Energy

Earthjustice strikes back against Smart Solar group

Supreme Court reschedules oral argument for ‘Smart Solar’ amendment

FPL breaks ground on new solar power plants

Clearwater Marine Aquarium pumps $2 billion into Pinellas economy, study finds

Solar amendment showdown goes to court

Email insights: Unlike other basic needs, Duke Energy keeps Florida electricity costs down

Utility-backed solar amendment rakes in campaign cash

The Everglades Coalition comes out in support of Floridians for Solar Choice amendment

Fundraising turns gloomy for Floridians for Solar Choice committee

Consumers for Smart Solar say it has hit goal to trigger Supreme Court review