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Fla. lawmakers propose 100% renewables goal, energy task force

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Fla. lawmakers propose 100% renewables goal, energy task force

Florida state lawmakers have filed bills for the upcoming legislative session that would change how the state procures power generation.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani, a Democrat, introduced House Bill 97 on Aug. 27 that would mandate 100% of Florida's electricity come from renewable energy sources by 2050. The target would have to include interim goals to have renewables generate at least 40% of the state's electricity by 2030.

The Office of Energy within the state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would work with other agencies, public utilities and other groups to develop a statewide plan and submit it to the governor, the state Senate's president and state House speaker by Jan. 1, 2022, and provide annual updates.

Eskamani introduced an identical bill in March, but that legislation died in committee. The Legislature's next session begins in January 2020.

"Floridians are already feeling the effects of a warmer world," Eskamani said in an Aug. 27 statement. "From mosquitoes and hurricanes to harmful algal blooms and sea level rise — Florida has a lot to lose if climate change goes unchecked and one of the most important ways to curb the impact of climate change and to build a more resilient state is through transitioning to 100% renewable energy."

Meanwhile, Republican state Sen. Jeff Brandes filed Senate Bill 144 on Aug. 16 that would create an energy task force within the Florida Public Service Commission. The task force would be responsible for projecting the state's electricity needs through 2040 and "determine how best to meet those needs in an efficient, affordable and reliable manner while increasing competition and consumer choice and ensuring adequate electric reserves."

Under the bill, the task force would recommend policies for the state to adopt based on various forecasts and issues, including the effects of allowing retail energy suppliers to provide renewable energy and other services.

Florida's Public Counsel, or a designee, would chair the task force, while members from the PSC, the state Legislature and other state agencies would be part of the team.

If passed into law, the task force would need to first meet by Aug. 1, 2020, and submit a report to governor, the state Senate's president and state House speaker by June 30, 2022.