Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMay 31, 2016

Wednesday marks the beginning of “the official digital launch of the summer education campaign” of a proposed constitutional amendment on solar power. Florida for Solar, Inc., championed by state Sen. Jeff Brandes, and Floridians 4 Lower Energy Costs are joining forces to get “Amendment 4” passed on the Aug. 30 primary ballot. “Both organizations will be working together […]

Staff ReportsMay 27, 2016

A pair of groups pushing solar energy-related changes to the state constitution will collaborate on an effort to pass Amendment 4 on the August 2016 ballot. Florida for Solar, Inc., spearheaded by Sen. Jeff Brandes, and Floridians 4 Lower Energy Costs will combine forces in order to try to surpass the 60 percent threshold needed for […]

Julie DelegalApril 17, 2016

Jim Kallinger and Dick Batchelor wrote in Context Florida last week that voters should support “Amendment 1,” which seeks to regulate solar energy in Florida. They disclose at the end of the article that they work for “Consumers for Smart Solar.” But voters may not know that “Consumers for Smart Solar” is a bankrolled front […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

Legislation that would exempt the value of solar-power and other “renewable energy” equipment from Floridians’ property tax bills was unanimously cleared by a Senate panel Monday. Part of the legislation (SB 172/SJR 170), sponsored by St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes, would create a constitutional amendment required to enact the measure. It would have to be […]

Ryan RayNovember 30, 2015

A panel of state economists and analysts estimated Monday one of two dueling ballot initiatives dealing with solar energy voters may consider will not have any affect on state or local government spending should it pass. The meeting was the panel’s second on the topic, and confirmed the estimate as well as drafted a definitive […]

Ryan RayNovember 23, 2015

A panel of state economists and analysts estimated Monday one of two dueling ballot initiatives dealing with solar energy voters may consider on the November 2016 elections will not have any impact on state spending should it pass. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference, a slate of economists for the Legislature and executive branch, held a […]

Peter SchorschNovember 17, 2015

Notorious former lobbyist Jack Abramoff tells anyone who will listen he really wants to improve his image. Fronting a shady, dark money organization is not the best way to go about it. Tuesday morning, Abramoff enters the Florida solar energy fray with an appearance at a news conference hosted by Conservatives for Energy Freedom. The media […]

Ryan RayNovember 3, 2015

A pair of bills to allow businesses to write off the costs of installing solar panels on commercial properties got the green light Tuesday from a Senate panel. “Occasionally a bill comes along both the Baptists and the bootleggers can agree on, and this is one of those proposals,” said St. Petersburg Sen. Jeff Brandes. The […]

Phil AmmannOctober 22, 2015

Florida’s Chamber of Commerce is strongly criticizing the Solar Choice Amendment, the day the proposal passed a major legal hurdle. Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber president and CEO, denounced the amendment after its language was approved by the Florida Supreme Court Thursday afternoon. He said, as it stands, the proposal is “driven by special interests that […]

Guest AuthorOctober 16, 2015

Everyone wants to increase the supply of renewable energy. The question is, how to do it in a way that benefits and protects consumers, regardless of their energy choices. When the so-called “solar choice” amendment was introduced, I was among those who called on its sponsors to modify their proposed amendment in a way that […]

Tag: solar energy
Image via AP.

PR campaign to launch for solar amendment

Solar groups to unite in support of Amendment 4

Julie Delegal: Pro-solar consumers beware: Vote no on Amendment 1

Jeff Brandes’ renewable energy bills easily clear committee

State economists confirm estimate “Smart Solar” amendment will not increase public spending

State economists say “Smart Solar” amendment unlikely to have fiscal impact

Tough questions for Jack Abramoff, in Tallahassee today for shady solar advocates

Bills to encourage solar panel installations OK’d by Senate panel

Florida Chamber denounces Solar Choice Amendment after Supreme Court approves language

Jim Kallinger: Make the smart solar choice