Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Ryan RaySeptember 29, 2015

According to a new poll released Tuesday morning by the Florida Chamber Political Institute, likely Florida voters’ attitudes on proposed constitutional changes continued to take shape, with support for pro-business group’s “counter-amendment” to environmentalists’ solar energy ballot language gaining steam. When it comes to Floridians for Solar Choice‘s ballot language to limit or prevent barriers […]

Peter SchorschAugust 25, 2015

A new email has Floridians throwing a lot of shade on the “shady” solar energy amendment. Consumers for Smart Solar announced a recent poll showing Florida voters have clearly rejected the solar energy constitutional amendment offered by Floridians for Solar Choice for the 2016 ballot. Floridians, the group says, are refusing to be blinded by […]

Guest AuthorAugust 18, 2015

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter formally established the U.S. Department of Energy, with (among other things) the goal of making America energy independent. The idea was that there’s an undeniable connection between our energy security and our national security. We’ve pursued that laudable goal in a variety of ways: the development of traditional fossil fuels, […]

Guest AuthorAugust 17, 2015

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter formally established the U.S. Department of Energy, with (among other things) the goal of making America energy independent. The idea was that there’s an undeniable connection between our energy security and our national security. We’ve pursued that laudable goal in a variety of ways: the development of traditional fossil fuels, […]

Phil AmmannAugust 5, 2015

Florida restaurateurs are speaking out in favor of expanded access to solar energy, as the way for small business owners to manage spiraling energy costs. On Wednesday, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) endorsed the Floridians for Solar Choice ballot initiative, which seeks inclusion on the 2016 ballot. In giving its support, the state’s non-profit hospitality […]

Phil AmmannAugust 5, 2015

Consumers for Smart Solar — the bipartisan coalition of business and civic leaders— received three significant endorsements in its campaign to put a solar energy amendment on Florida’s 2016 ballot. In a joint announcement Tuesday, the Florida Council for Safe Communities, National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) and the Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) […]

Peter SchorschJuly 31, 2015

I love solar power. You love solar power. Everyone loves solar power. It’s the ice cream of energy production: It should come with sprinkles. There is so much to love. And unlike a toddler with a cone, there’s no messy cleanup, nobody’s blowing the tops off mountains to mine it, there are no issues with […]

Tag: solar energy
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

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

New Chamber poll: Florida voters favor “smart” solar amendment

Email insights: Floridians throw shade on “shady” solar amendment

Sal Nuzzo: Energy Security, Economic Security, National Security

Sal Nuzzo: Energy Security, Economic Security, National Security

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association announces support for Solar Choice Amendment

Three influential groups announce support for Smart Solar Amendment

Why the solar initiative is losing