Doug Jackson, 202.495.3045 or doug.jackson@sierraclub.org
DANIA BEACH, FL -- Today, the Sierra Club launched a campaign calling on Governor Rick Scott and Florida Power & Light CEO Eric Silagy to drop plans to expand the gas-burning power plant in Dania Beach. Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas are major contributors to global climate change, causing stronger hurricanes, higher average temperatures, and sea level rise that is already affecting Florida’s coastal communities. The Sierra Club is urging FPL to accelerate the transition to clean, renewable energy sources as a way to meet Florida’s power needs without harming public health, vulnerable communities and the tourism economy.
The campaign went live today and will be open until the petition is delivered in early January. The launch comes on the heels of last week’s legal filing by the Sierra Club opposing FPL’s efforts to have the Public Service Commission determine that ratepayers need a another fracked gas plant at Dania Beach. The Sierra Club expects to argue that the proposed plant is not needed, and that cleaner, less costly alternatives are readily available.
People can join the campaign and share it with friends by going to sc.org/nofrackFlorida.
In response, Sierra Club Senior Campaign Representative Susannah Randolph released the following statement:
"Whether it’s stronger hurricanes, unhealthy air, or coastal flooding, Florida is already seeing the consequences of climate change caused by burning coal, oil, and gas, so it’s with reckless abandonment that Florida Power and Light is trying to burn even more gas in Dania Beach. We launched this campaign because FPL and Governor Scott must transition to harnessing the power of the sun in the Sunshine State rather than keeping us addicted to dirty, dangerous fossil fuels like fracked gas.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.