The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Daytona Beach, FL will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.  Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Wakulla County, FL will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.  Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment. 

The Florida House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee agreed to file HB 7051, which would waive requirements in state law that the Legislature ratify proposed rules costing more than $1 million. Democrats and Republicans on the committee said they support moving forward with the state rule despite opposition from Sierra Club Florida and Clean Water Action.

An investment affiliate of Starwood Energy Group Global, LLC ("Starwood Energy"), an energy infrastructure investment firm, has acquired a partial ownership interest in the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center ("GREC") from Tyr Energy, Inc. GREC is a 100 MW biomass power plant currently under construction in Gainesville, Florida. The acquisition was signed and closed on December 30, 2011. The other ownership stakes in GREC remain unchanged and the original American Renewables development team continues to oversee the construction of GREC.

The Personal Rover is a new and innovative electric scooter for urban or off-road transportation. It is what personal electric transport vehicles should have been; a high powered transportation device that is easy to use, fun to drive and doesn't make you look silly!

It's a scooter...it's a cart…it's a skateboard with handles…No, it's a Personal Rover Electric Transportation Vehicle and it's the newest and coolest way to roll!

Effort Increases Efficiency, Reduces Costs and Retains Major Programs

The Southwest Florida Water Management District this week completed its organizational restructuring which is expected to reduce District expenses by more than $15 million a year. The reorganization increases efficiencies, reduces operational costs and meets the District’s core mission responsibilities in the areas of water supply, flood protection, water quality and natural systems.

Parents want to know: is building a school as a LEED school expensive? It all depends. Initial construction costs can sometimes be high, but with a careful budget and post construction energy performance studies, building to LEED standards saves a great deal of money over time. Additionally, green schools can be created at or below regional K-12 construction costs and operated within existing facilities budgets.

We’ve seen a lot of examples of this in the School District of Palm Beach. An excellent case in point is Pirtle Construction, which has been contracted for the LEED Platinum Galaxy Elementary project. Pirtle looks to have brought the base bid and alternates for the project in under budget thus far. Once the building is occupied, there will be studies of the energy consumed (energy performance studies) over the years to show the cost savings. An important fact to note is that $2.3 million of the dollars necessary for the construction of Galaxy Elementary will be secured through grants and donations, not through taxpayer dollars.

Progress Energy filed a comprehensive settlement agreement with the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) that will help moderate electricity costs for customers in the coming years.

Developed collaboratively with the Office of Public Counsel and other consumer advocates, the agreement provides customers a refund of a portion of Crystal River Nuclear Plant (CR3) replacement fuel costs and rate certainty related to the company’s proposed Levy County nuclear project and base rates. 

Putnam Testifies Before the Florida House Subcommittee on Energy and Utilities

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam outlined today his recommendations for the House Subcommittee on Energy and Utilities to consider for this session’s energy package, which included tax incentives, direction for the Public Service Commission (PSC) and efforts to streamline processes on renewable energy businesses.

“The objective of Florida’s energy policy should be to secure a stable, reliable and diverse supply of energy,” said Commissioner Putnam. “We must create a climate that encourages new industry, encourages job creation and encourages the expansion of existing industries and existing technologies. My recommendations are designed to 1) increase diversity in Florida’s energy portfolio, 2) advance renewable energy production, 3) encourage the development of home-grown technologies and 4) promote energy efficiency.”