The Florida House and Senate have voted unanimously in favor of a bill (House Bill 7123) promoting energy efficiency, renewable fuels and renewable energy development in Florida. The bill, if signed by Gov. Charlie Crist, R-Fla., would require the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to recommend a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) for the state.
In addition, the bill directs the PSC to conduct a study in conjunction with the Florida Energy Commission, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for its RPS recommendation.
Requirements for the study set out in the bill include analysis of "current and future availability of renewable fuels, incentives to attract large-scale renewable energy development, changes to current regulatory and market practices to encourage renewable energy development, the impact on utility costs and rates, environmental benefits of a renewable portfolio standard, and economic development associated with renewable energy in the state."
