As a state rich with environmental resources and hundreds of miles of coastlines threatened by rising sea levels, Florida cannot ignore climate change. Now even conservatives are leading the charge on clean energy production in Florida.
Conservative supporters of clean energy, including Conservatives for Clean Energy-Florida, this week launched the Community Solar Freedom Coalition, a collaborative effort to use the free market to advance American energy independence.
Governor DeSantis has often been praised for his environmental efforts. With projects like restoring the Everglades and Florida's beaches, he has also been dubbed the "Green Governor." State Director of Conservatives for Clean Energy George Riley said, "It’s about time we celebrate that fact and promote further development of clean energy, which is why I applaud Governor Ron DeSantis for his recent proclamation of Clean Energy Week in Florida."
"Our leaders are working to find solutions that help the environment while providing new opportunities for Floridians with non-exportable jobs and industry. Clean energy jobs in Florida have topped 178,000 in recent years, and as of 2019, the state ranks fifth in the nation in renewable energy generating capacity."
Now, solar panels seem to be the next frontier of harnessing clean energy, an idea Florida Republicans seem to be fully endorsing. "By offering access to solar energy without the need for individual installations, community solar eliminates the high cost often associated with personal solar setups,” said Riley. “The goal is to make solar power more affordable for a greater number of people.”
Riley believes that a more distributed and diversified electric grid will reduce weaknesses and bolster national security and its pros most certainly out-weight its cons.
