Senator Jeff Clemens & Rep. Berman file bills to create Energy Economic Zones

State Senator Jeff Clemens (D-Lake Worth) and Representative Lori Berman (D-Lantana) today filed legislation to create “Energy Economic Zones” within the state, expanding a pilot program designed to cultivate green economic development, encourage renewable electric energy generation, manufacture products that contribute to energy conservation and green jobs.
SB 1090 and HB 887 will allow cities to establish incentive programs that further promote economic development and job creation within the growing renewable energy industry.
“This is the perfect way to support innovation at our universities and provide entrepreneurs with an avenue to help secure our energy future,” said Clemens.
“Advances in solar, wind, and hydroelectricity have made the attracting and locating of companies investing in the future of renewable energy a highly competitive market amongst states throughout the country,” Berman said. “Having as many tools in the tool chest as possible that are available to Florida’s communities is what we are trying to achieve.”
Under the bill, cities would submit an application to the Department of Economic Opportunity to receive their certification as long as they meet all the requirements, including collaboration with a university or other research institution.
One application is likely to be the City of Lake Worth, in partnership with FAU’s Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC). SNMREC is leading the country in ocean current energy due, in part, to its proximity to the Gulf Stream just a few miles off the coast of Palm Beach County.
Both Senator Clemens and Representative Berman sit on the energy committees of their respective chambers.