Conservatives advocate for Florida’s clean energy economy

Our energy demand is rapidly increasing as Florida continues to experience economic growth and influx of new residents. To meet this challenge, we must adopt energy policies that are in line with conservative principles that make our nation the greatest of the nation. It reduces consumer costs, promotes job creation, and ensures energy independence.

As we work to bring manufacturing and energy production back to our homeland, we need to prioritize our smart clean energy tax policies that provide results. These measures will help us grow our economy, promote private investment and ensure greater energy security for our consumers, businesses, and especially the military.

Smart tax policies help to encourage large investments in the state’s economy. Florida is rich in renewable energy possibilities, and the state is expanding its clean energy economy, which generates billions of dollars in statewide investments, employs more than 40,000 people and billions of dollars in household income. Companies are establishing manufacturing facilities, creating well-paid jobs and strengthening the domestic supply chain.

The wholesale rollback of policies that work as designed will directly hit Florida’s growing energy economy. According to data from the US Energy Employment Report, Florida ranks third in the nation for clean energy employment, earning 175,572 jobs in sectors such as solar, energy efficiency, grid modernization and electric vehicles.

In 2023 alone, Florida clean energy jobs rose 5.9%, almost 2.5 times faster than job growth across the state. Florida’s clean energy employment growth has consistently outperformed the wider economy over the past five years. The sector has proven important not only to reduce energy costs but also to promote stable, long-term employment across the state.

Florida is rapidly emerging as a leader in clean transportation. According to the same survey, we have over 12,900 electric vehicle jobs. This indicates a steady increase in growth rate of nearly 18% over the two years. These jobs are spread across manufacturing, maintenance, logistics and support services. It creates opportunities not only in major metros, but also in small towns and conservative districts. These are not abstract policy victories. These are real jobs for real Floridians, driving innovation, reducing fuel costs and bringing sophisticated industries into the community.

Clean Energy Conservatives advocate for practical, market-driven energy policies that strengthen the economy, protect consumers and modernize infrastructure. Supporting practical policies that support clean energy generation in our state is consistent with these values. These policies are not handouts. They are strategic investments that enable businesses to plan, invest and grow within our state.

As the debate on energy tax policy continues, it is essential that reform prioritizes business and market certainty. We must not undermine the major drivers that are energizing the economy and driving the future.

Protecting these investments is the first American approach to being conservative, pro-pro-pro-approval. Let’s continue to build on that momentum for our workers, our families, and our future.

Zachary Colletti, a resident of St. Petersburg, is the executive director of Florida conservatives for clean energy. This opinion article was originally published by The Sun Sentinel and distributed by the invading sea website (www.theinvadingsea.com). The site posts news and commentary on climate change and other environmental issues affecting Florida.