Clean Energy Legislation a Must for Economic
Growth, New Study Shows
Benefits Depend on Swift Action by Florida Legislature this Session
April 12, 2010 12:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--By embracing the opportunity posed by renewable
energy, Florida has the potential to create thousands of new jobs and bolster the state’s economy by several billion
dollars, according to a study released today by Global Energy United.
This study, conducted by the Washington Economics Group (WEG), comes as the State Legislature is considering
policies that would expand Florida’s economy, particularly in the area of solar power.
“This study demonstrates that a significant opportunity exists for Florida’s economy to expand beyond tourist and
real estate dollars and into the research, development and manufacturing of clean energy technologies,” said Josh
Kellam of Global Energy United. “Our company is committed to bring solar power manufacturing facilities and jobs
to Florida if the right market conditions are created by a sound statewide policy. There could be dozens of
businesses like ours if the Legislature removes the barriers to clean energy industry now.”
Specifically, the study indicates that hypothetical renewable energy legislation calling for 700MW in increased
capacity would potentially create 40,000 new jobs over time, and expand total economic activity in Florida by $8.1
billion. The study further indicates that a strong policy would add an additional $2.1 billion in wages into the pockets
of workers across industries – particularly in manufacturing, construction and research and development.
Texas and New Jersey have policies that have led to hundreds of millions invested in renewable energy technologies.
New Jersey alone has seen more than 25,300 jobs and $282 million in private investment because of the state’s
Clean Energy Program. Over the past five years, statewide economic development and business organizations in
Florida have repeatedly p