Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Gary FineoutJuly 16, 2015

Florida voters could wind up having to choose between two rival proposals dealing with solar energy. A group billing itself as Consumers for Smart Solar announced Wednesday that it’s launching a petition drive to place an amendment dealing with solar energy on the 2016 ballot. It will need to collect nearly 700,000 signatures by early […]

Peter SchorschJuly 15, 2015

In what is already a contentious presidential contest, solar energy might actually become Florida’s hottest battleground in 2016. With the involvement of energy companies, environmentalists, and politicians – not to mention competing solar power constitutional amendments — nearly everyone in the Sunshine State will take a side. At the center of the debate is Tory Perfetti, […]

Phil AmmannJuly 15, 2015

Consumers for Smart Solar — a bipartisan coalition of business, civic and faith leaders — launched a campaign Wednesday to place its new Smart Solar Amendment on the 2016 General Election ballot. The Smart Solar Amendment is what supporters call a “consumer-friendly alternative” to a similar amendment proposed by Floridians for Solar Choice. Although both […]

Guest AuthorJuly 13, 2015

On climate change adaptation, the hour is very late. Only seven years ago the mainstream media began reporting the likelihood that warming temperatures at the arctic extremes could begin releasing vast quantities of methane gas into the atmosphere, with its potential to rapidly double the amount of global warming gases already overloading the atmosphere. With […]

Drew WilsonJuly 13, 2015

New reports show the political committee backing a proposed amendment to boost access to solar energy posted its best fundraising numbers to date, with nearly $155,000 in contributions in June. Floridians for Solar Choice got $50,000 of the money from the SACE Action Fund, a political committee tied to the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. […]

Guest AuthorJune 29, 2015

When speaking about energy for our country, one is typically labeled either a shill for big oil or a left-wing environmentalist, depending on argument. That’s never been clearer than during the past month when my comments on the topic made the rounds in print and online. To be clear, many Floridians and I, think smart […]

Phil AmmannApril 30, 2015

As a proposed solar energy initiative gains steam in Florida, an interesting rhetorical battle is also heating up: Americans For Prosperity (AFP) against the Tea Party fringe. The latest bombast comes from Debbie Dooley, described by American Spectator columnist Jon Cassidy as a “Tea Party eccentric and advocate for solar energy.” Dooley is the outspoken […]

Bruce RitchieApril 24, 2015

Attorney General Pam Bondi forwarded to the Florida Supreme Court on Friday a proposed constitutional amendment that would promote solar energy use. Floridians for Solar Choice proposes a constitutional amendment that would promote local, small-scale solar energy production and prohibit barriers to solar energy. The group collected enough petition signatures for Florida Supreme Court review but […]

Ryan RayApril 22, 2015

President of the conservative National Black Chamber of Commerce Harry Alford has issued a letter taking a stand on behalf of his group against an emerging Florida ballot initiative that would ease restrictions against rooftop solar panels for homes and businesses. Alford teed off against the move, saying that while it appears to expand consumer choice and […]

Bruce RitchieApril 13, 2015

After a debate this past month, a Tampa Bay group that says it promotes a return to constitutional government and free markets has come out against a proposed constitutional amendment that would encourage the use of solar energy. Floridians for Solar Choice proposes a constitutional amendment that would promote local, small-scale solar energy production and […]

Tag: solar energy

Voters may have to decide between 2 solar energy amendments

Florida Hispanic leader calls Tory Perfetti to resign over anti-immigration statements

Consumers for Smart Solar launches “consumer-friendly” solar ballot initiative for 2016

Alan Farago: Mr. President, that alarm you hear is the climate clock running out

Floridians for Solar Choice post best fundraising to date, $155K in June

Barney Bishop: All sources needed to provide energy security

Florida solar battle heats up: Tea Party’s Debbie Dooley takes on Americans for Prosperity

Pam Bondi sends solar amendment to FL Supreme Court

National black business group comes out against Florida solar ballot initiative

Conservative group opposes solar amendment after Tampa debate