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solar-nussel

The following article by Sara Nussel in the Gainesville Sun on Dec. 20 calls for signatures to get solar on the ballot.  Be sure to choose Floridians for Solar Choice and not the other one designed to trick you.Scrollsolar-nussel

Solar panels power the outside lights at an apartment complex in Bartow.
The Ledger/Pierre DuCharme

Sara R. Nussel: Help bring Florida into the solar age

By Sara R. Nussel
Special to The Sun

Published: Monday, December 14, 2015 at 4:43 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, December 14, 2015 at 4:43 p.m.

God is great. God is good. God is green!

That’s my mantra and I work hard to live it. Earlier this year I read about Floridians for Solar Choice and their effort to promote solar energy in Florida. There’s only one reason why Florida does not make greater use of solar technology. It would hurt the fossil-fuel industries. Their profits are more important than the environment.

The proposed ballot initiative to open solar markets in Florida has one goal: to remove government-created barriers to a customer’s right to buy solar energy, so solar can compete in the market against other forms of energy.

Florida is one of four states that does not allow the third-party sale of energy. It’s time to put an end to the energy companies’ monopoly.

I have been a devoted warrior in this campaign. I’ve probably collected 400 ballots with signatures by myself. I’ve inspired other Floridians to get involved. I’ve badgered, cajoled and pestered friends, relatives and perfect strangers to fill out my form. But now, I’m tired and a little depressed.

Despite all the hard work that volunteers like me have put in, we might not meet our goal of nearly 700,000 forms filled out. The last information I received was we need 380,000 ballot initiatives turned in by Dec. 31.

A few weekends ago, I collected 120 signatures but that takes a lot of time and energy. Now I’m hoping for some help.

You may have already signed a solar petition but it could have been the one sponsored by the energy companies. It says Floridians may have solar panels on their roofs. Well, that’s legal now.

Consumers for Smart Solar is a utility-funded campaign designed to confuse voters and protect the monopoly energy companies enjoy. They’ve been paying young people to stand out on street corners and collect ballot initiatives.

I’ve confronted some of these young men and women. They know they are spreading confusion but money is a powerful persuader.

I’m asking everyone reading this letter to please go to www.flsolarchoice.org, download a copy of the petition, fill it out and mail it in. Encourage your family and friends to do the same.

Together we can get this job done and bring Florida into the solar age.

— Sara R. Nussel lives in Williston.

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