TALLAHASSEE -- An energy plan that encourages construction of nuclear-power plants and provides tax breaks for renewable energy won overwhelming approval Wednesday in the Florida House.
Proposed by Gov. Jeb Bush, the plan removes many legal and financial obstacles to nuclear power, in an attempt to diversify the state's fuel sources, now dominated by natural gas. It also creates a tax holiday for the purchase of energy-saving appliances and provides tax credits and other incentives for solar power and other forms of alternative energy.
"This is a comprehensive energy package that provides conservation incentives as well as lays the foundation for Florida's energy future," said Rep. Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, the bill's House sponsor.
The Senate already approved the bill, but the House made changes that will send it back to that chamber.
The plan allows utilities to add construction costs to customers' electric bills during construction of a nuclear plant, rather than following the usual procedure of waiting until the plant goes into service.
Progress Energy and Florida Power & Light Co. have announced plans to build nuclear plants in Florida.
They say they need this change to persuade investors to put up the money for nuclear plants, which can cost $4 billion.
The bill also shortens the state approval process, making it more difficult for local governments to stop power plants, a provision that concerned some members.
"That's not local control," said Rep. Susan Bucher, D-Royal Palm Beach, the only member to vote against the bill. "If it's going to affect local individuals, they should have a voice."
Rep. Frank Attkisson, R-Kissimmee, another sponsor, said the change was necessary to prevent a small community from vetoing projects that could free the state from dependence on Middle East oil and gas.
"We certainly want input from local communities, but this is a massive project that will serve the state for years to come," he said.
The legislation originally said nothing about global warming. But the bills create a state Energy Commission, an advisory body to the Legislature, and amendments in the House and Senate require the commission to come up with ways to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Adding global warming to the agenda of an advisory commission leaves Florida trailing many large states, such as New York and California, which are already crafting specific plans to reduce heat-trapping gases. But environmentalists said it was a victory to see it mentioned at all.
"I am very happy that the state of Florida will now be dealing with greenhouse-gas emissions," said Susan Glickman, Florida representative for the Natural Resources Defense Council. "The evidence has become so overwhelming about global warming and its implications for Florida."
More arguments against global warming.
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