Public Officials, Experts, Concerned Citizens Call for Energy Savings, Good Jobs, Clean Air Now
Last week, over 130 St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay area residents attended the Citizens' Hearing for Clean Energy Solutions, joining public officials in calling for the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to boost energy savings goals, clean air and clean energy jobs in 2014.
Previously, the Sierra Club formally requested an official PSC field hearing in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, which the PSC denied, prompting Sierra Club and the Sunshine State Clean Energy Coalition to create an alternative forum to ensure public participation. The PSC's decision will set the course for the next ten years.
The seven elected officials who participated in the hearing included State Representative Dwight Dudley, Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch, St. Petersburg City Council Member Darden Rice, Safety Harbor Commissioner Andrew Zodrow, City of Seminole Councilor Patty Plantamura, and Gulfport Council Members Michael Fridovich and Yolanda Roman.
"Our Public Service Commission is supposed to make sure Florida consumers get reliable power at the lowest cost, but they've all but ignored the fastest, cheapest, safest option to meet our power needs. Energy efficiency lowers power bills, supports our economy and creates jobs here in Florida. The PSC needs to hold the power companies' feet to the fire and make sure Florida consumers get the savings we need," said Council Member Rice.
Presenters included Susan Glickman, Florida Director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Lorraine Ross, President of Intech Consulting, and Kelly Martin, Senior Campaign Representative for the Florida Beyond Coal Campaign.
The Citizens' Hearing was captured by a court reporter in order to enter the testimony into the formal proceedings under the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act. But the PSC still needs to hear directly from Floridians who demand clean energy that will create jobs, lower bills, and protect the climate.
That's why, in just two weeks, the Sierra Club and the Sunshine State Clean Energy Coalition will transport people to Tallahassee for a Rally for Energy Savings during the public hearing at the Public Service Commission. Join us to show your support for strong energy savings goals!
WHAT: Sunshine State Clean Energy Coalition Rally for Energy Savings
WHEN: Monday, July 21, at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Public Service Commission, Tallahassee, FL
To RSVP, contact Julia Hathaway at julia.hathaway@sierraclub.org or go to the Sunshine State Clean Energy Coalition on Facebook.