Surf, sunshine and semi-subs: Solar industry backs offshore drilling in Florida.
Florida drilling gets boost from solar
The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FSEIA) backs drilling offshore of the Sunshine state, saying that revenues from offshore production should act as a bridge to renewable energy.
“With Florida expected to face billion-dollar budget shortfalls for at least the next three years, revenues from oil and gas drilling could help our state meet its budget needs while providing a permanent, dedicated revenue source for programmes that invest in renewable energy technologies,” FSEIA boss Bruce Kershner said.
“We believe the proposal to tap these energy resources, with stringent environmental protections, can help move our state toward renewable energies that will reduce our country’s dependence on fossil fuels.”
Florida economists Fishkind & Associates project enabling offshore energy exploration in Florida waters could produce public revenues of between $2.3 billion and $12 billion a year, the group said in a release.