The Governor of Florida announced on Friday his budget proposal to the legislature, which included $186 million dollars for green and renewable technologies.
$10 million was designated for continuation of the Solar Rebate Program, $176 million was from Federal Funding sources, meaning, the ONLY money the Governor proposed be taken out of State money, was for the Solar Rebate Program.
This is very significant and the Governor is to be congratulated for elevating the Solar Rebate Program to the level of not just relying on Federal Funds, but making the program a State of Florida priority.
Thank you to all the folks who participated in the conference call with the Governor's Chief of Staff, Legislative Affairs Director and Energy Office Director. I am sure your participation was a significant part of their final decision.
Our work as the solar industry now begins. With the Governor's recommendation in hand, we must now convince the Legislature to adopt his recommendation.
Here is the The Governor's full proposal:
Green Energy Technologies – To ensure continued progress toward advancing Florida’s energy future and growing Florida’s low-carbon economy, Governor Crist proposed $10 million for solar energy rebates. Additionally, almost all of $176 million in federal funding received in Fiscal Year 2009-10 will be expended this year in the following ways:
· $126 million for the State Energy Program providing opportunities for state agencies, local governments and businesses to deploy renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, resulting in economic development and job growth in Florida’s clean technology sector. Projects will include:
· Solar for Schools and Shelters, $10 million
· Solar Energy (Water Heating) Loans, $10 million
· Solar Energy Rebate Program, $14.4 million
· E-85/B20 Public Fueling - Conversion Revolving Loans, $5 million
· Compressed Natural Gas Fleet Fueling Facilities – Matching Grants, $4 million
· Florida Residential Retrofit Program, $15 million
· Shovel Ready Energy Project Grants, $ 19.5 million
· Florida Clean Energy Grants, $10 million
· Florida Energy Opportunity Fund, $36 million
· $30.4 million for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to assist local governments, state agencies and citizens with programs to reduce fossil fuel emissions, total energy use, and improve energy efficiency in transportation, building and other sectors. Projects will include:
· Competitive Grants to Local Governments, $18.6 million
· Sunshine State Buildings Initiative, $8.4 million
· Energy Conservation Initiatives and Program Administration, $3.2 million
· $17.5 million for the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate program to provide consumer rebates for qualifying new ENERGY STAR appliances.
· $1.8 million for the Energy Assurance Grant Program to develop new energy emergency response plans and revise existing ones to address Smart Grid applications and vulnerabilities, critical infrastructure, cyber security and energy supply systems.
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