Gov. Crist signs bill creating Energy-efficient Rebate Program
ORLANDO Gov. Charlie Crist today signed House Bill 167, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Abruzzo, Rep. John Tobia, Sen. Eleanor Sobel and Sen. Carey Baker. The legislation creates a rebate program that helps make energy-efficient appliances more affordable.
“Today I am proud to sign legislation that will benefit consumers and businesses while increasing Florida’s reputation as a national leader in environmental stewardship,” said Crist in a prepared statement. “This rebate program will help Floridians buy appliances at discount rates, lower utility costs and benefit Florida businesses by stimulating sales of energy-efficient appliances.”
House Bill 167 enables the Florida Energy and Climate Commission to develop and manage the Energy-efficient Appliance Rebate Program, a consumer rebate program for residential energy-efficient appliances. The FECC will adopt guidelines, consistent with federal regulations, designating eligible appliances, rebate amounts and the process for issuing rebates.
The FECC estimates Florida will be eligible to receive at least $18 million in federal funds to implement the rebate program. The Florida Legislature also allocated appropriated $150,000 for Fiscal Year 2009-10 to the FECC for the purpose of administering the rebate program.
Assuming average rebates of 20 percent, based on median consumer costs, Floridians can expect to save the following amounts on energy-efficient appliances:
$290 on refrigerators.
$200 on clothes washers.
$200 on freezers.
$200 on dishwashers.
$65 on room air conditioners.
$40 on humidifiers.
The Energy-efficient Appliance Rebate Program builds on Crist’s past energy and climate change initiatives. In 2007, Crist signed three executive orders to reduce Florida’s greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and remove market barriers for renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind energy. In 2008, he signed the 2008 Energy and Economic Development Legislation, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency and encouraging investment in alternative and renewable energy technologies. Among its requirements, this comprehensive, bipartisan legislation authorizes the development of a cap-and-trade regulatory program; creates a renewable fuel standard; and creates the Florida Energy & Climate Commission as a central office for state energy and climate change programs and policies.
For more information on Florida’s energy and climate change initiatives, visit www.MyFloridaClimate.com