Crowd Rallies at Duke Energy’s Florida Headquarters
Calling for Solar Power and Clean Energy Jobs

“Hundreds of concerned residents turned out today to send a strong message to Duke Energy: it’s time to invest in Florida’s economy and people by choosing our homegrown energy resources over obsolete, expensive and dirty imported fuels,” said Julia Hathaway, organizer with Sierra Club in Florida. “We know that Duke, the nation’s largest utility, is building solar power and investing in energy savings in other states. But here in Florida, Duke is stalling, and wants to keep sending our energy dollars out of state. It’s time for the Sunshine State to see real investment in solar energy and energy efficiency solutions that will create jobs and clean up our air.”

“Civic engagement signifies the presence of an informed electorate and is critical to a thriving democracy. Civic engagement can be seen as a nuisance to corporations, but Duke should consider this demonstration as a favor. These 5,500-plus petitions serve to let Duke Energy know that there is consumer demand for energy efficiency and solar power in Florida,” said Kofi Hunt, project coordinator with Awake Pinellas.
Florida is ranked in the bottom half of states by the American Coalition for an Energy Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) annual ranking, specifically because of utilities’ under-investment in energy savings programs

off in the distance near the shoreline. I am concerned that this is the largest source of mercury pollution in the state and that it is polluting the air we breathe, the land where we grow our food and coastal waters where we fish,”
Duke Energy operates four coal-burning units at its Crystal River power plant in Citrus County, FL. In recent filings to state regulators, the company has committed to phasing out coal burning at two of the units by 2018, but currently plans to increase natural gas use at the plant instead. By delaying its plans to phase out burning coal at the Crystal River plant, Duke Energy is choosing to produce four more years of air pollution, including toxic mercury pollution, which will impact children, seniors and people living with asthma and other respiratory illness.
“By shutting down the dirtiest power plants, like Crystal River, using energy more efficiently, and by generating more power from clean, renewable sources like the sun, we could be delivering a one-two punch in the fight against climate change, and ensuring the health and safety of our communities for years to come,” said Jennifer Rubiello, field associate with Environment Florida, based in Tallahassee.
Nationwide, 162 coal-fired power plants have been locked in for retirement since 2010 as coal generation declined by nearly one-fifth in two years. At the same time, clean energy production has skyrocketed, with wind providing more than 20% of Iowa and South Dakota’s power, and more than 10% of Texas and Oklahoma’s power. In 2013, more than 13,000 megawatts of solar power are now connected to the grid, powering homes and businesses. To learn more, visit www.sunshinestatecleanenergycoalition.org.
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