Who is behind Amendment 3 in Florida?
Amendment 3, also known as the Florida Energy Conservation and Security Amendment, has been a topic of considerable debate and interest in the Sunshine State. This amendment, which appeared on the November 2016 ballot, aimed to require the state to obtain 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040. But who is behind this significant piece of legislation? This article delves into the key players and interests that have influenced the amendment’s development and implementation.
The primary force behind Amendment 3 was a group called Florida Future Energy Inc. This organization, which was formed specifically to promote the amendment, played a crucial role in its design, funding, and advocacy. Florida Future Energy Inc. was founded by a group of individuals and businesses that believed in the importance of renewable energy and its potential to improve the state’s economy, environment, and energy security.
One of the key figures behind Florida Future Energy Inc. was J. Hyatt Brown, a former state senator and a prominent advocate for renewable energy. Brown, along with other prominent Floridians, such as former Florida Supreme Court Justice Harry Lee Anstead, served as the organization’s advisors and supporters. Their collective experience and influence helped to shape the amendment’s language and ensure its passage.
Another significant player in the campaign for Amendment 3 was the Sierra Club, a national environmental organization that has been advocating for renewable energy and environmental protection for decades. The Sierra Club, along with other environmental groups, provided financial and organizational support to the campaign, helping to mobilize voters and raise awareness about the importance of the amendment.
The business community also played a significant role in supporting Amendment 3. Companies such as NextEra Energy, the largest generator of renewable energy in the United States, and other renewable energy firms were among the amendment’s strongest supporters. These businesses saw the potential for the amendment to create jobs, reduce energy costs, and enhance the state’s economic competitiveness.
Opponents of Amendment 3, however, were equally vocal and well-organized. The Florida Electric Power Coordinating Council, a group representing the state’s investor-owned electric utilities, led the opposition campaign. They argued that the amendment would impose unnecessary costs on consumers and harm the state’s economy. Additionally, some critics claimed that the amendment’s requirements were overly ambitious and could be detrimental to the state’s energy infrastructure.
Despite the opposition, Amendment 3 passed with a narrow margin, receiving 51.3 percent of the vote. Since then, the Florida Public Service Commission has been tasked with implementing the amendment’s requirements. The process has been contentious, with debates over the best ways to achieve the amendment’s goals and ensure compliance with its provisions.
In conclusion, Amendment 3 in Florida was driven by a diverse coalition of individuals, organizations, and businesses that shared a common vision for a more sustainable and energy-independent future. While the amendment’s implementation has faced challenges, its passage reflects the growing public interest in renewable energy and the role it can play in shaping the state’s energy landscape.
