Florida, The Land Of The Rising Sun?

That rising sun is quickly receding under the clouds of uncertainty by our states refusal to acknowledge that solar energy is far more efficient and cost effective. Florida, after all this is the sunshine state. It didn't get this name by accident. There should be no excuse as to why Florida is so severely lacking in providing solar energy. It should be automatic, just like air-conditioning that every home should have enough solar power to power a water heater or more. With a Republican led legislature and a Republican Governor have yet to outline a plan of direction in an energy policy for this state.

 A plan of direction for both short term relief of the ever increasing energy costs and a long term plan of direction to fully switch from the energy sources that are now becoming so antiquated. That plan of direction has to entail a definitive set goal of using Green Energy. Not gas, not oil and certainly not nuclear. It is time we start focusing on the availability of the natural abundant renewable sources of energy already available to tap into without either polluting or drilling. The Neanderthal thinking of Florida's legislature and Governor are still fixated on the energy of the first and second industrial revolution. It is time that policies and legislation are passed to eliminate the barriers that prohibit so many millions of Floridians the opportunity to augment their energy costs using solar and wind technologies. The Japanese and countries in Europe are already light years ahead of the United States in procuring energy from solar and wind. In fact, in much of Japan even with the nuclear program continuing after the Tsunami whole city blocks are incorporated with individual solar cells imbedded into roofing shingles. Every block is equipped with a wind turbine that also contributes and distributes enough electric power so combined they provide 1/2 of every residence's energy needs.


When Charlie Christ Florida's previous Governor pushed for an energy policy that would require 20% of the states energy needs to come from renewable green sources it never materialized. All that has ben done since is our legislature continues to make excuses like there is too much cloud cover. The only cloud cover that exists in Florida is the polluted hot air coming out of our Republican led legislature and our Governor. In a time where practically every state in the country, Florida is no exception, is so economically depressed rising energy costs are the last thing families need. Not only is energy costing more so is health care along with food.


The state of Florida has the availability and the capability of providing relief to millions by augmenting their energy needs using solar and wind. When the Governor suggests support of off shore drilling or a Republican Presidential candidate openly supports another oil pipe line only endangers the environment from every standpoint. Already off the cost of Norway in the Norwegian Sea there are several wind turbines complementing the existing oil rigs. The concern there is still the possibility of another environmental disaster that could happen but unlike the oil rig that caused the worst oil spill in US history in the Gulf of Mexico back in 2010 those oil rigs are so much more secure and able to withstand heavier seas. Here in Florida this state is perfectly positioned to have retractable wind turbines off shore all around the state posing no risk to the environment while supplying enormous amounts of energy. Again, Florida isn't named the sunshine state for nothing. We have enough sun year round to supply even more power there-by reducing the chances of more pollution, and increasing the availability of decreasing energy costs for all.