Governor Charlie Crist Met with T. Boone Pickens

I received this email earlier today:

Thank you for contacting Governor Charlie Crist
From: Governor Charlie Crist
To: Governor Charlie Crist
Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 11:04 am

Thank you for contacting Governor Charlie Crist. Governor Crist
appreciates your concerns about Florida's energy needs and asked that I
respond on his behalf.

Governor Crist recently met with Mr. T. Boone Pickens at the Clinton
Global Initiative to discuss renewable energy opportunities in Florida.
To date, Florida has taken a very proactive position to support
renewable energy, alternative fuels and other clean technologies such as
compressed natural gas. Since the creation of the Florida Renewable
Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act in 2006, which includes
rebates, grants, and other economic incentives for energy investments,
Florida has contributed millions of dollars to stimulate research,
development and commercialization of renewable energy.

There are a number of solar energy projects under development in Florida
positioning it as the second leading state in the nation for solar
energy production. Additionally, a one megawatt solar panel system will
be installed on the Orange County Convention Center making it the
largest rooftop solar panel installation in the Southeastern United
States.

In addition, Florida is investing in wind technology. Florida Power and
Light is committed to the viability of large-scale wind generation in
Florida. Up to six utility-scale wind turbines will generate
approximately 13 megawatts of electricity. The second project,
constructed by Progress Energy, will look at small-scale wind energy
generation using turbines with a smaller capacity for businesses and
residences.

Like the Pickens Plan, Florida is currently considering all
transportation fuel options available, including compressed natural gas.
The Governor's Energy Office is also working with the state's Clean
Cities Coalitions to promote alternative fuels and advanced vehicles,
fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, and idle reduction. There
are currently 15 compressed natural gas stations in Florida that
primarily serve local government and private business fleets. This
office will continue to work with other interested parties to increase
the availability of compressed natural gas in the marketplace.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact Governor Crist. For
information about Florida's environmental policies and alternative fuel
initiatives, please visit www.myfloridaclimate.com and www.flgov.com.

Sincerely,

Warren Davis
Office of Citizen Services