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Statewide Business and Environmental Leaders Encourage Voters to Support Amendment 4 on August 30
Thursday, August 04, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carrie Patrick
850.222.3767
carrie@coremessage.com
Tallahassee, FL – August 4, 2016 – Senator Jeff Brandes (R, District 22, St. Petersburg) and a diverse group of statewide organizations joined together today to voice support for and educate Florida voters about the various economic and environmental benefits of Amendment 4 on this year’s August 30 primary ballot.
Florida lawmakers unanimously passed legislation this year that created Amendment 4. The amendment will unlock the value of solar for Florida businesses and communities by removing the ad valorem taxes that solar installations carry on commercial properties under current law.
“I am excited that the legislature unanimously passed a bill that allows for Amendment 4 to be voted on this year. Every registered voter will have the opportunity to vote YES on Amendment 4 by August 30th regardless of party affiliation,” said Senator Brandes. “The passage of Amendment 4 will spur tremendous investments in renewable energy without picking winners and losers or using subsidies. Florida will have an increasingly diverse energy supply, solar energy will be more affordable and it will help the Sunshine State lead in solar.”
“Florida should be at the forefront of solar choice for consumers and increased solar job creation,” said Randy Miller, Florida Retail Federation. “The passage of this amendment will help Florida continue to move forward with added development and utilization of solar, which will benefit both residents and business owners in the Sunshine State.”
The Tampa Bay Times, Tallahassee Democrat, Herald Tribune, Naples Daily News and other Florida newspapers have publicly endorsed Amendment 4, adding their voices to groups all over the state of Florida in support of this forward looking amendment.
“On August 30th, Floridians will have an opportunity to diversify our state’s energy portfolio and help Florida achieve energy independence,” said Christopher Emmanuel, Director of Infrastructure & Governance Policy for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The Florida Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support Amendment 4, and supports this opportunity to help lower costs on Florida families while also strengthening economic growth.”
“Amendment 4 protects the health and environment of Florida for families and future generations by expanding the use of clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels,” added Janet Bowman, The Nature Conservancy. “Florida has one of the highest rates of home electricity consumption in the country, yet renewables only account for 3 percent of our energy market—passage of Amendment 4 is an important step towards making clean, affordable energy more attainable for all Floridians.”
There are more than 6,500 solar jobs in Florida today. If this amendment passes, Florida’s solar industry could significantly grow as companies hire more employees to sell and install solar equipment across the state, and as more solar companies come to Florida to take advantage of this opportunity.
“Tourism is Florida’s top industry. Florida visitors will benefit from energy savings that Amendment 4 will offer residents, businesses and visitors,” said Richard Turner, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Our association and members urge voters to support Amendment 4 and vote YES on August 30th.”
“A solar-powered, clean-energy future means more jobs for the Sunshine State, more competitive energy options for consumers, and a healthier environment for Florida families,” said Aliki Moncrief of Florida Conservation Voters. “That’s why we’ve endorsed Amendment 4 and urge our supporters and partners in the conservation community to do the same.”
This amendment is also backed by community and environmental organizations that support the positive impact clean energy has on the environment. These groups advocate support for Amendment 4 because it will help preserve the quality of Florida’s air and water and help keep the state a healthy place to live for families and future generations.
Amendment 4 is supported by the following organizations:
Advanced Energy Economy
EDF Renewable Energy
Environmental Defense Action Fund
Florida Chamber of Commerce
Florida Concrete and Products Association
Florida Conservation Voters
Florida Independent Pharmacy Network
Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Florida Retail Federation
Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Progress Florida
Sierra Club
Solar Energy Industry Association
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
SunConnect
The Nature Conservancy
Vote Solar
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