Legislature must act on solar policy

Last year, Florida voters spoke loud and clear at the ballot box about solar energy not once, but twice. By approving Amendment 4 and rejecting Amendment 1, Floridians demonstrated they want the right to choose solar energy to power their homes and businesses and freedom from burdensome taxes and penalties imposed by governments and monopoly power companies.

Now it’s up to Florida’s Legislature to implement Amendment 4, and the Public Service Commission to protect the rights consumers have voted for.

Amendment 4 will lift burdensome taxes that Florida families and businesses now pay when installing solar. This free market principle will lower property taxes and power bills, provide more energy independence, and create local jobs. It’s a win-win that is supported by a broad coalition spanning the political spectrum and business community.

Amendment 1 was backed by the state’s monopoly utilities and sought to pave the way for punitive fees and discriminatory penalties on Floridians that power their homes and business with solar.

The “solar uprising” movement is growing because Floridians want to enjoy the benefits of lower bills, cleaner energy, economic development and local jobs. Last year, solar added more power capacity in the U.S. than any other source. Solar industries employ more than 200,000 nationally and the number continues to grow.

The voters have clearly spoken: reduce taxes and protect the freedom to choose solar power. We urge the Legislature to honor the people’s voice by quickly and cleanly implementing Amendment 4, and we urge the Public Service Commission to protect that choice.

This story was originally published March 16, 2017 at 11:41 PM with the headline "Legislature must act on solar policy."