By Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection
As Congress prepares to vote this week on a budget bill which would repeal solar energy tax credits, Florida solar advocates warned the move would jeopardize the state’s economy.
According to industry data, the tax credits have funded more than $12 billion in clean energy projects and supported 175,000 jobs in Florida.
Caleb Quaid, founder of the Tampa-based environmental consulting firm Regenerative Shift, said his company’s landmark solar project relies on the funding.
“This project would not have been possible without these clean energy tax credits,” Quaid acknowledged. “They are currently in the process of installing what would be the largest rooftop solar project on a school in Florida history. In addition to providing lower cost of energy for Manatee Schools for the Arts, this project is also paying all of its laborers prevailing wages.”
Opponents of the tax credits argue renewable energy should be able to compete without help from the government. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., is facing mounting pressure to defend the solar tax credits because his district hosts many jobs related to clean energy.
Tim McMurray, chief financial officer at the Manatee School for the Arts, argued money saved by solar tax credits is often reinvested into local communities.
“The money saved goes back into the business,” McMurray explained. “In our instance, it goes right back to the classrooms. It provides more deeper investments in STEM classes. It provides school counselors and faculty.”
Ben Delman, senior director of communications for the advocacy group Solar United Neighbors, said all energy sectors receive some federal backing, so it should not come as a surprise solar energy also needs government support.
“Every source of energy we have is subsidized in some form,” Delman pointed out. “What these investments that the tax credits and such, put solar on a level playing field to help families and small businesses save money.”
With Florida ranking second nationally in solar installations, advocates said the stakes are high as they urged residents to contact lawmakers ahead of the vote this week.
Florida News Connection is a bureau of the Public News Service. Banner photo: A solar rooftop on a commercial center in Florida (iStock image).
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