2012 Legislative Session Overview Energy/Climate Legislation

Transcription

1 2012 Legislative Session Overview Energy/Climate Legislation Jennifer L. Jurado, Ph.D., Director Natural Resources Planning and Management Presented to the Broward County Climate Change Task Force February 16, 2012

2 Energy issues dominate 2012 Session while climate discussion is silent Overview: State Energy Policy a decade long tug of war has produced more political debate than long-term and politically sustainable policies. This year numerous bills have been proposed and one modest and supportable energy bill is moving forward. Proactive bills did not move and bills repealing past positive policies are likely to become law.

3 Background Long term energy policies have not withstood the changing political climate. The last three Governors have taken vastly different positions on energy and climate change. In 2008 the legislature amended the Energy goal of the State s Comprehensive Plan to include consideration of GHG emissions reductions through energy efficiency and renewable energy. At the same time, the Governor led efforts for the state to play a leadership role in integrating climate - energy policy Energy Program reported to the Executive Office Florida Energy and Climate Commission created (HB 7135) Support for integration of climate initiatives in local comprehensive planning efforts

4 Background, cont. Three years later, the Florida Energy and Climate Commission has been abolished. Powers from the Executive Office of the Governor transferred to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs (DACS). In 2012, Proactive policies of the past are being repealed: Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS) Cap and Trade

5 2012 Energy Policy Development Goal of 2012 Legislature: small steps to move the ball down the road balance long term energy policy with current economic considerations Encourage a market driven process vs. cap and trade Secretary Putnam (DACS), sets stage for 2012 energy legislation with 11 Energy Proposals intended to improve energy reliability, stability and diversity,

6 2012 Energy Bill 2012 Highlights Role of PSC Status of RPS Renewable resources Energy Efficiency Financing Electronic permitting

7 2012 Energy Bill CS/CS/SB 2094 and HB 7117/Energy Requires PSC to provide information on actual renewable energy production in review of 10 year site plan; Reinstates sales tax exemption for renewable energy technologies; Provides renewable energy technologies investment and energy production tax credits; Clarifies that renewable energy producers not licensed as electric utilities qualify for tax refund.

8 2012 Energy Bill Calls for PSC to take into account the need for fuel diversity in Need Determination; Removes law requiring PSC adopt new rules for a RPS; Requires PSC to evaluate how the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act of 2008 benefits the public and whether it creates undue burden on the consumer;

9 2012 Energy Bill Requires PSC to evaluate current interconnection and net metering rules; Requires a statewide forest inventory analysis identifying available biomass and ensuring forest sustainability Requires all state buildings over 5,000 square feet to report energy consumption and DACS to develop rules establishing standard benchmarking

10 2012 Energy Bill Clarifies electric vehicle charging stations are a service to the public and not the retail sale of electricity; Directs the FL Building Commission, DACS and PSC to adopted standardized rules for building and electric codes, permitting and installation of charging stations; Requires the PSC to investigate using off-grid solar photovoltaic power as a source for electrical vehicle charging stations;

11 Energy Efficiency Financing Provisions of Energy Bill Expands application of Local Government Infrastructure Surtax to include financial assistance to residential property owners who make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy devices (amendment pending) Defines energy efficiency improvements as any energy conservation and efficiency measure that reduces energy consumption through conservation or more efficient use of electricity, natural gas, propone, or other forms of energy on the property including installation of solar panels

12 Energy Efficiency Financing Identifies other eligible improvements air sealing, insulation, HVAC improvements, increased use of daylight, window replacement, efficient lighting, electric vehicle charging equipment

13 Additional Energy/Climate Legislation HB 651/SB 704, Electronic Signature; Provides for certain documents to be electronically signed & sealed by licensee & electronically transmitted to building code administrator or building official for approval. HB 651 has one more stop/sb 704 is being amended, all sponsors concur SB 90/HB 23, Oil Drilling, authorizing amendment to FL Constitution banning exploration, drilling and extraction within FL waters. Not moving CS/HB 695/SB 1158, Development of Gas Resources, allows any state management agency to enter a public-private partnership contract to explore produce oil or gas under state lands. Moving

14 Additional Energy/Climate Legislation SB 640/ HB 1463, Local Government Energy Zones - Authorizes local government to create an energy zone and allows a producer of renewable energy to produce and sell energy within an energy zone; redefining the term "public utility" to exempt producers and sellers of renewable energy from economic regulation by the PSC. Not moving SB 648/HB 4001, FL Climate Protection Act, repealing cap-andtrade regulatory program Moving

15 Questions?