Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the statement below following the reported deceptive strategy behind Florida’s solar amendment.

“I represent the State of Florida on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and have a bird’s-eye view of energy policy across America. Florida lags far behind other states in unleashing the potential of solar power, renewable energy and energy efficiency that would save consumers money and reduce carbon pollution. Electric utility monopolies are working to kill cost-saving solar power installed by businesses and residents.  Electric monopolies want to control solar and renewable energy generation and use, and have consistently put their corporate profits ahead of the best interests of Florida consumers.

“Now new press reports show what so many suspected -- the proposed Amendment 1 on the general election ballot is an anti-consumer sham.  I agree with the executive director of the Energy and Policy Institute -- the electric utility corporations are trying to confuse voters into believing Amendment 1 is pro-solar. It is not. It is a dirty trick.”

U.S. Rep. Castor represents the Tampa Bay area in Congress and serves on the Energy and Power Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In June, she hosted representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy and other stakeholders for a forum at the University of South Florida Patel Center for Global Solutions on the Future of Solar Energy & Jobs in the Sunshine State.

###