News

The legislation requires updated procurement standards that could save Florida taxpayers up to $277 million 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. April 11, 2023 – Today, national business group Advanced Energy United applauded the Florida Senate’s passage of CS/CS/SB 284: Energy. The bill would require the Department of Management Services (DMS) to consider not just the initial purchase price but the total cost of ownership for new additions to the state’s vehicle fleet, including operations, fuel, and maintenance costs. It also asks DMS to make recommendations to state agencies, local governments, and state colleges and universities using the same standards. 

Research from Advanced Energy United and the Electrification Coalition showed the bill has the potential to save Florida an average of $18,000 per vehicle by considering the total cost of ownership in vehicle procurement decisions. A full transition to electric vehicles for the state fleet could save Florida up to $277 million over that same period. 

Detroit News published Michael Weiss and Laura Sherman's opinion piece on how Gov. Whitmer has a once-in-a-generation chance to revolutionize the state’s energy and automobile sector. Read snippets below and the full article here.

With the reelection of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan has a once-in-a-generation chance to revolutionize the state’s energy and automobile sector. Whitmer should use her second term to maximize federal funding and incentives from the Inflation Reduction Acts and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to reduce energy costs for Michigan residents and fulfill the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

Florida Politics published an op-ed from AEE's Michael Weiss analyzing how NextEra's zero carbon goal will positively impact Florida's clean energy landscape. Read snippets below and the full article here.

NextEra Energy, the parent company of Florida Power & Light, recently announced a highly laudable goal of eliminating its carbon emissions from its operations by 2045 on June 14, 2022.

The bill that was approved by the Florida legislature earlier this year threatened the growth of the solar industry in the Sunshine State

TALLAHASSEE – Today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed House Bill 741.  

Advanced Energy Economy’s Florida policy lead Michael Weiss issued the following statement in response to Governor DeSantis’s veto: 

“On behalf of the advanced energy industry, including solar installation and manufacturing companies and the thousands of people employed by these industries in Florida, AEE thanks Governor DeSantis for seeing the damage that would have been done from ending net metering in the state. The Governor’s veto ensures that solar panels on residential homes in Florida retain their full value, and households are fairly compensated for the energy they provide back to the power grid.