A conservative argues for Florida’s clean energy economy

As Florida continues to expertise financial progress and an inflow of latest residents, our vitality calls for are growing quickly. To fulfill this problem, we should undertake vitality insurance policies that align with the conservative rules which have made our state the best within the nation: lowering prices for shoppers, fostering job creation and guaranteeing vitality independence.

As we work to convey manufacturing and vitality manufacturing again dwelling, we should prioritize good clear vitality tax coverage that delivers outcomes. These measures assist develop our financial system, drive non-public funding and guarantee better vitality safety for shoppers, companies and particularly our army.

Sensible tax coverage helps spur vital funding in our state’s financial system. Florida is wealthy in renewable vitality potential, and the state has a rising clear vitality financial system that has generated tens of billions of {dollars} in statewide funding, over 40,000 jobs and billions of {dollars} in family earnings. Corporations are establishing manufacturing amenities, creating high-paying jobs and strengthening our home provide chains.

A wholesale rollback of insurance policies which might be working as designed could be a direct hit to Florida’s rising vitality financial system. In response to knowledge from the U.S. Power and Employment Report, Florida ranks third within the nation for clear vitality employment, with 175,572 jobs throughout sectors like photo voltaic, vitality effectivity, grid modernization and electrical automobiles.

In 2023 alone, clear vitality employment in Florida grew by 5.9%, almost 2.5 occasions sooner than total state job progress. Clear vitality job progress in Florida has additionally persistently outpaced the broader financial system for the final 5 years — proving that this sector isn’t solely vital to lowering vitality prices, but additionally to fueling steady, long-term employment throughout the state.

Florida is quickly rising as a pacesetter in clear transportation. In response to the identical examine, we’re dwelling to over 12,900 electrical car jobs. This marks a gentle improve of almost 18% progress over two years. These jobs are unfold throughout manufacturing, upkeep, logistics and supporting companies — creating alternatives not simply in main metros, however in small cities and conservative districts as effectively. These aren’t summary coverage wins — they’re actual jobs for actual Floridians, driving innovation, lowering gas prices and bringing superior industries into our communities.

At Conservatives for Clear Power, we advocate for pragmatic, market-driven vitality insurance policies that strengthen our financial system, defend shoppers and modernize our infrastructure. Supporting pragmatic insurance policies that help clear vitality technology in our state is in step with these values. These insurance policies usually are not handouts; they’re strategic investments that allow companies to plan, make investments and develop inside our state.

As discussions about vitality tax coverage proceed, it’s crucial that reforms prioritize enterprise and market certainty. We should not undermine the important thing drivers which might be revitalizing our financial system and powering our future.

Defending these investments is the conservative, pro-growth and America First method. Let’s proceed to construct on that momentum — for our staff, our households and our future.

Zachary Colletti, a St. Petersburg resident, is government director of Florida Conservatives for Clear Power. This opinion piece was initially printed by the Solar Sentinel and distributed by The Invading Sea web site (www.theinvadingsea.com). The location posts information and commentary on local weather change and different environmental points affecting Florida.