Florida energy bill becomes law, includes biofuel tax exemptions

New energy legislation in the state of Florida became law April 14 despite Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s failure to sign the bill. The legislation, HB 7117, contains several measures aimed to encourage the development and expansion of the renewable energy sector within the state, including biofuels production and distribution. The bill also addresses policies and restrictions for growing certain strains of algae and cyanobacteria.

The bill specifically addresses biodiesel, ethanol and renewable fuel, which is defined as a fuel produced from biomass that is used to displace fossil transportation fuels. Under the legislation, a sales tax exemption is established for materials used in the distribution of B10-B100, E10-E100 and other renewables. 

Florida Gov. rejects Tea Party request to veto bill

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who rode into office with the support of tea party groups and other conservative organizations, rejected their request that he veto a wide-ranging energy bill.

Scott instead announced on Friday that he would allow the bill (HB 7117) to become law without his signature.

The governor also vetoed a courts bill and signed 18 other measures into law including a bill responding to a state Supreme Court ruling from last year that Scott exceeded his authority. Scott also said he would allow another bill dealing with Hillsborough County taxi drivers to become law without his signature.

Florida House passes energy bill

After three years attempting to pass a renewable-energy package, the Florida House overwhelming backed the energy plan that has been ushered through the Capitol by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.

HB 7117, which passed 113-1 with bipartisan support on Monday, is designed to expand renewable-energy production tax credits, allow local governments to use discretionary sales tax revenue to assist homeowners who make energy-efficiency improvements, and reduce the state’s dependence on natural gas that is pumped into Florida along two pipelines from the Gulf Coast. 

“Florida’s House of Representatives sent a clear message today that Florida is ready to diversify its energy portfolio, expand energy production and create much-needed jobs for Floridians,” Putnam said. 

Florida must get serious about renewable energy

A year later and with only days left in the 2012 session, Florida may once again try to pass a renewable energy bill that will not produce renewable energy. Florida’s HB 7117 and SB 2094 have proven just that, to even include Tea Party rallies in opposition.

Renewable advocates support Florida energy bills

Advocates of conservation and renewable sources such as solar and biomass are supporting what sponsors are calling "modest" energy legislation in the belief that even a small start would cause those efforts to snowball.

A bill (HB 7117) that cleared the House Finance and Tax Committee on Wednesday and a similar measure (SB 2094) that's moving through the Senate wouldn't set specific goals such as the 20 percent level for renewables by 2020 once envisioned by former Gov. Charlie Crist.

Instead, the bills include such provisions as restoring tax exemptions and credits that expired in 2010, consideration of fuel diversity by the Public Service Commission when deciding whether to permit new power plants and a study on the effectiveness of an existing