Jackson Falconer
TALLAHASSEE – The fight for solar energy in Florida is heating up, with utility companies and billionaires joining the fight against an amendment that aims to increase consumer access to solar. Both amendments are currently being pushed to get on voters' 2016 ballots.
An amendment which would keep access to solar in the hands of utilities looks to go against the Floridians for Solar Choice Amendment, also on the 2016 ballot. The former, called The Smart Solar Amendment, is being financially backed by Duke Energy and Tampa Electric Co.
There are three other states that require citizens to purchase solar from a utility company. FSCA's language states it will "encourage and promote local small-scale solar-generated electricity production and to enhance the availability of solar power to customers."
The Tampa Bay Times has
reported that backers for The Smart Solar Amendment raised $2.3 million in October. Groups that are financially supported by the politically-involved, conservative-minded Koch brothers have given money to an organization called Consumers for Smart Solar, who are behind the SSA.
The Floridians for Solar Choice Amendment recently had its language approved by the Florida Supreme Court, and currently has over 207,000 verified signatures, with another 200,000 awaiting verification (683,149 signatures are necessary to place it on the 2016 ballot).
FSCA is backed by a variety of conservative and progressive groups, including the Christian Coalition of America, Conservatives for Energy Freedom, The Tea Party Network, Sierra Club of Florida, and Florida League of Women Voters.
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