FLORIDA SPACECOAST FOR PICKENS

Comment

Comment by Bill Tucker on September 26, 2008 at 12:20pm

Do we have any UCF or FIT alumni or active students as part of the group? We need some help encouraging student participation in the Pickens Plan for the following:

Pickens U is a new Pickens site specifically designed for students and alumni from colleges and universities across the United States who support energy independence for America.

Outreach on college campuses will be a critical component of our effort to build an Army of 1,000,000 supporters. We plan to mobilize students and alumni of colleges across America to support the Pickens Plan and prepare to take action during the first 100 days of the new Administration.

There are hundreds of college campuses across America, and we are interested in having Pickens Plan chapters on as many of them as possible – from small community colleges to liberal arts schools to prominent institutions to the largest state universities. The key is to find a motivated campus coordinator and an enthusiastic student population – with the right people in place, even the smallest of schools can make a big difference.

http://push.pickensplan.com/collegeMain.php

Comment by Bill Tucker on September 25, 2008 at 6:51pm

Hello All,
Saturday September 27 as part of a Green Jobs Now cooperation there will be a Brevard County company showing thier products for solar and wind here is an excerpt from the website:
Product Showcase
Cape Canaveral, FL
September 27, 2008 09:00AM to 03:00PM

Hosted by John Broughton
Event Description:

NRGmanager, LLC is a renewable energy product distributor and consultant. Please feel free to stop by the shop to view some of the latest solar and wind products available and to discuss how much renewable systems may cost.

Max Attendees: 20 (Currently 7 Registered)


Invite Friends to this Event


Location:
377 Imperial Blvd., Unit 4, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920
Directions:
Driving on A1A up towards Port Canaveral locate the RaceTrac Gas Station. Acroos the street you will find Imperial Boulevard. Head east on Imperial Blvd and drive to the end of the road and turn left into a warehouse district. NRGmanager,LLC is located in the 2 story red barn looking building, third on the right. Drive all the way around the building for parking. Once there you will see the garage bay doors open and solar panels. Feel free to walk in and discuss renewable energy products.

Comment by Roy R on September 25, 2008 at 5:30am

September 3, 2008
FARE Files Florida PSC Comments Calling for Feed-in Tariffs
by Paul Gipe, Contributing Writer
Florida, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com]
Tradable credits are the renewable equivalent of the Alaskan bridge to nowhere says a recent filing made with the Florida Public Service Commision (PSC). The Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy (FARE) filed comments with the Public PSC on August 26, 2008 suggesting that the state move towards a system of feed-in tariffs rather than going down its present path.
The filing goes on to suggest that a REC trading system will not achieve the goals set out by the Governor nor will it allow equitable opportunity to all in developing the state's renewable resources.
The Alliance is a coalition of leading Florida solar companies and the Alliance for Renewable Energy, a group formed to promote Renewable Energy Payments (feed-in tariffs) in North America.

FARE's filing was in response to a PSC docket on the state's proposed Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) using a system of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) as the development mechanism. While many RPS policies do not use tradable credits as the sole implementing mechanism, some do.

Prepared by Florida investment banker John Burges, the filing argued that the proposed REC program, "will benefit a few large companies at the expense of many small and mid-sized" firms and do little to advance the Governor's renewable economic and industrial development objectives. Burges contrasted the success of Germany's feed-in tariffs in creating 250,000 jobs with the PSC's timid proposal.

The filing goes on to suggest that a REC trading system will not achieve the goals set out by the Governor nor will it allow equitable opportunity to all in developing the state's renewable resources. RECs are also a poor value to ratepayers in comparison to Renewable Energy Payments, Burges argued in the filing, citing several independent studies that reached that conclusion.

The proposed RECs trading market, "as currently drafted in the PSC rule are a more expensive policy and [will be] less successful in generating investments in renewables--they are the renewable equivalent of the Alaskan bridge to nowhere," the filing said.

Internationally, feed-in tariffs have become the mechanism of choice for increasing the uptake of solar, wind, biomass and other forms of renewable energy, according to FARE.
The Alliance urged the PSC to replace the proposed credit trading system with a system of feed-in tariffs. It also argued that the RECs trading system does not work well for renewables such as solar and biomass, that predominate in Florida.

The draft PSC rule has taken heavy criticism from other groups. Leading newspapers and NGO’s have been especially critical of the draft PSC rule. The St. Petersburg Times said the “Public Service Commission's targets for renewable energy [are] far below [Governor] Crist's” while the Miami Herald stated that the “Public Service Commission is recommending an extremely slow buildup in the use of renewable energy.”

“The (PSC) targets aren't ambitious enough to drive any kind of investment in renewable energy technology in Florida," said George Cavros of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy in a letter to the Miami Herald. The targets were "the weakest in the nation. Dead last," he added. "Governor Crist would be 94 before his proposed 20 percent target is realized."

"We were just flabbergasted by the one percent cost cap," said Sean Stafford, who represents Florida Crystals, the sugar producer that operates the state's largest renewable energy plant, in reference to another clause that would cap all renewable costs at one percent of utility revenues.

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) was also highly critical. Gerald Karnas, EDF's Florida Director, has called for the introduction of feed-in tariffs as the best way to achieve the Governor’s renewable objectives.

Comment by Ray Osborne on September 22, 2008 at 8:10pm

I am planning to attend the Business luncheon again this Thursday
at Sunrise Bank in Cocoa Beach. Free food and good time to network with other business people. If you plan to show, let me know and we can have our Picken's table. I will be happy to share the plans for my next luncheon on Oct 4. on Local Projects. Even give you the flyer I worked up.

-RKO


New discussions at Local Projects Group.
http://push.pickensplan.com/group/localp

Comment by Bill Tucker on September 22, 2008 at 6:41am

Hello to all,
Let me start by thanking everyone who is part of the search for solutions to our collective independence from foreign oil and climate endangering use of gasoline and diesel vehicle fuel.
One of the largest obstacles locally to T. Boone’s plan is the lack of open to the public CNG fueling stations, and the fact that few if any are in the planning stages. To correct this and allow for Central Florida to become part of the solution to our collective problem, I am looking for assistance from legal and accounting professionals that would be part of a group to study the feasibility of establishing a not for profit corporation.
The not for profit corporation would be used to jump start the establishment of Central Florida CNG and Hydrogen fueling stations that would be open to the public. By establishing open to the public CNG and Hydrogen fueling stations the public would be encouraged to purchase or convert vehicles to CNG, and would allow companies like Honda to make available Hydrogen vehicles like the FCX Clarity. At present Honda is producing the FCX Clarity only in limited quantities and those vehicles will not be available anywhere in the southeastern U.S. because we have no open to the public Hydrogen fueling stations.
I am also looking for people with prior fund raising experience and volunteers that would be interested in pushing this agenda. Anyone who is interested in discussing this further is encouraged to contact me either by Pickens Plan email or forum post on the Local projects group forum “Starting a CNG fueling station”

Comment by Bill Tucker on September 19, 2008 at 6:19am

Hello Tami and fellow residents of Space Coast Florida,
I am here to throw my two cents into the ring. Tami, thank you for starting this group, I agree Florida needs to step up to the plate in terms of renewable energy. Our state has it all. I disagree with giving the utility monopolies too much control. California had a tough time of it several years ago when they deregulated their utilities, now the big push there is for individual residential solar systems. Solar energy, be it from nano-antennas or PV would be the easiest least expensive and most logical place to start.
Not only is this an election year but as we speak important legislation is moving through the PSC (Public Service Commission) that after it’s finalization by the Florida legislature will have a direct effect on the cost and availability of renewable energy systems in general and Solar systems in particular. I would invite Floridians in particular to check out FPL’s current policies on solar power buy backs from residential and small business customers.
http://www.fpl.com/environment/conservation/alternative_energy.shtml
The PSC is debating over REC (Renewable Energy Credits) versus REP (Renewable Energy Payments) as to which will jump start Florida into the 21st century of renewable energy.
Some of you may have read about this as I am continually posting responses from our current and candidates for the Florida legislature here locally. In the Space Coast group and Central Florida group, please see a detailed explanation there as it is rather long.
To date here are the following responses to legislative calls for action by candidate:
Florida Senator Bill Posey, (www.billposey.com) candidate for U.S. Congressional seat for Florida Congressional district 15: has expressed concern and had his staff follow up by contacting the PSC with the following results; Any action by the PSC will have to be finalized by the Legislature it would appear that REP would benefit the taxpayer/rate payer far more than the REC.
http://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/index.cfm?Mode=Committee%20Publications&Submenu=2&Tab=committees.
Steve Blythe (www.blythe20008.com) is also running for U.S. Congressional seat for Florida Congressional district 15: “That is very interesting. I am interested in how Germany has taken the lead in utilizing photovoltaic power. So how would this REC system affect the homeowner who might be selling electricity back to the grid via net metering? Would the smaller and intermediate-sized providers get less incentive than the big industrial providers? What are some possible solutions – requiring certain percentage of the REC’s be purchased from sources within the state? Should there be other incentives built in to encourage start-ups?”
“Thanks. Obviously this is an important issue we need to monitor and help steer.”
Kendall Moore (www.wewantmoore.com) is seeking to fill the Florida Senatorial seat the Bill Posey is vacating, has not responded.
Wes McCarville (www.investinwes.com) is a candidate for Florida House district 29.
Acknowledged receiving my email;
“I wanted to first thank you for this information and it’s always good to hear from a fellow ground pounder.
Alternative energy is one of the ways I feel that Florida can diversify our employment base and become leaders in the field. We have a great brain trust over on the cape and those folks will be idle so why not put them to work on a national problem.
That said, there is a lot of information here to research, digest and come to a conclusion on, so give me the weekend and I will get back to you with my thoughts on this topic.
I wanted you to know I did get your email and I am working on it.”

I know that this has been long winded but during this important year of elections it is imperative that all of us put aside partisan politics in the best interests of Florida’s renewable energy future. I would ask that all of you contact your present State Senators / Representatives, and candidates for the State legislature and ensure that we are electing those who will ensure Florida has a bright renewable energy future.

Comment by Ray Osborne on September 18, 2008 at 10:54pm

Agenda for luncheon meeting.

1) People get food, sit down, eat brief chat.
2) Call meeting to order.
3) Intro time, everyone gets a chance to introduce themselves and say anything on their mind. 2-3 minutes. (max) Items could include upcoming events, what they would like to see.

4) Program starts on the topic of :Local Projects. I start with my
ideas that I posted here and then we go around the group and see
if anybody else has something they would like to see done locally.

5) Discussion about next meeting, where, when, who they would like to see as guest speaker.

6) We break up, people either sit and around and talk or go and pay for their bill. approx 1:30pm

If anybody has other ideas on how they would like to see the meeting go then post a response. But I have been organizing groups and this one of the best formulae to getting things done rather than just talk.

Remember this is about "walking the talk" a "thousand points of light" a group that is proactive about "works". We encourage our guests to 'share a ride'. If you have a distance of more than 15 miles consider meeting up with "Picken's People" from your area and meet up and drive on over
together.

PS. Be prepared to talk to press and media people. Get your facts straight if you do talk to them.

Comment by Ray Osborne on September 15, 2008 at 7:05pm

Would you like to find more people in your area that are
involved in the Picken's Plan here? It is simple, go the to right
side of the screen, where it says Go to "Find Members Near You"
choose search by town and put in your town. Do search then
Invite them to be friends and then copy and paste this
in their comments field.

"We are having a local luncheon this Saturday that I'd like to invite you to."

It is time sensitive so either they will do something or not.

Just an idea if you want to try it.

Comment by Bill Tucker on September 15, 2008 at 10:59am

Hey I just recieved this email from Kevin Wiehle, he says he is an anyalst with the PSC and is writing after a discussion with Florida Senator Bill Posey's staff:

Mr. Tucker,



I am an analyst with the Florida Senate Committee on Communication and Public Utilities. I talked to Russ, Senator Posey’s aide, about these issues last Friday.



The proposed rule language being discussed at the PSC staff level right now is a preliminary draft. It may change significantly. It does sound like they are trying to balance all interests and create an RPS requirement that will provide an incentive for all producers of renewable energy.



Whatever the PSC ultimately does with an RPS rule will have to come to the Legislature for approval. Staff is aware of the issues you raise, and will keep them in mind during this process.



In the meantime, we are working on a report to identify issues and considerations policymakers should take into account when making any policy changes relating to electricity. This report is due on October 1, and will be released sometime after that. We will get a copy to Senator Posey’s office when it is released. You can obtain a copy online at http://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/index.cfm?Mode=Committee%20Publications&Submenu=2&Tab=committees.



Thanks for your interest and input.



Kevin Delete Comment

Comment by Bill Tucker on September 10, 2008 at 6:40pm

Hi Roy,
This is a responce I recieved when I sent your explanation of REC vs REP from Bill Posey Former Florida Senator running for US Congressional seat Florida District 15:

Mr. Tucker,

I asked a member of my staff to follow this.
Below is his initial response.
Thank you again for the tip.

Best regards,

Bill Posey


I couldn't speak with Wayne, but Linda (the staffer who worked on the bill) hasn't returned yet. Will check with them again tomorrow. Meanwhile, I provided the concerns to the OPB environmental folks, Jeremy Susac (the Ex Dir of the Florida Energy and Climate Commission of the Gov), and sat down with the House staff to discuss it.
House staff say the bill leaves the PSC to conduct hearings and make rules that must be approved by the Legislature. The PSC has been conducting hearings, and a House staffer who has been attending them says this very issue has been brought up in the hearings. Generally, the House folks believe IF the big guys get to distribute the RECs that they could, indeed, prefer to business with the bigger operators in the solar business.

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