May 12, 2010 Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, 850-488-0965

“We are here today to ask Governor Crist, who loves this state and her people so well, to captain this ship of state and take leadership to bring a powerful team of experts and leaders together to stop this hemorrhage of oil in the Gulf, to triage this catastrophe in the Gulf immediately; to ban dangerous drilling is halted now and forever; and to lead the way for Florida, the nation and the world to new clean, renewable energy and  conservation and efficiencies that respect our earth and steward the environment,” said  Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda (D-Tallahassee).

“Floridians use more oil per capita than 47 other states.  Florida, however, is blessed with the climate and natural resources to come from far behind and lead the nation in truly clean and renewable energy sources. Florida has a duty and opportunity to lead the way with solar, bio-fuels, wind, wave, and conservation.  Investments in renewable energy mean jobs, economic, environmental and national security.  Florida needs a comprehensive energy plan with the goal of a substantial reduction of our dependence on oil in the very near future,” she said.

The Representative was joined today at the Capitol by renewable energy industry members, business leaders, concerned citizens, students and school children from Cornerstone Learning Community. The charter school has invested in solar panels and use them to help power the school and as a teaching tool for science classes. All were at the Capitol today to urge Governor Charlie Crist to call a special session of the Florida Legislature to address Florida’s need to lead beyond the tragedy in the Gulf to energy solutions that offer jobs, hope, and protects Florida's sensitive environment.   
"Three weeks into the BP Deep Horizon massive oil spill in the Gulf, Florida is facing an unprecedented threat to its natural resources and economy.  This is a critical moment in our history that we can use as motivation and inspiration to move us forward from the paralysis of recent past legislative sessions to a strong and comprehensive renewable energy policy that includes conservation and efficiencies. This is the time to call upon Florida’s lawmakers to lead and build a bridge from this tragedy to address Florida and the nation’s energy needs. Focus on truly clean and renewable energy and conservation and technological efficiencies will give Floridians jobs and hope for a better future.” said Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda. 
In a letter to Governor Crist dated May 7, Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda expressed her concerns over the economic impact of the BP Deep Horizon oil spill on Floridians and the need to “bridge over the massive oil slick to a brighter future and that future is in renewable energy, conservation and efficiencies."

In the letter, she also asked the Governor to seek restoration of funding for the Solar Rebate Program and keep the promise to the more than 8,000 families and businesses who invested in solar panels and solar water heaters. The popular program was not reauthorized in this past session. The Legislature has been friendly to the utility companies, allowing them to collect billions to build nuclear plants in advance of construction with no guarantee of actual construction. This past session the legislature considered a bill that would do the same for large scale renewables.

"Florida needs a comprehensive energy plan that empowers Floridians to do more toward energy independence and environmental stewardship and to get themselves back to work." said Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda.