Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Files Brief Opposing the Proposed Solar Language to Amend Florida's Constitution

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• Latin America - español

LAKE WORTH, Fla., June 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce today filed its initial brief opposing the language of the Solar Ballot initiative to amend the Florida Constitution proposed by Floridians for Solar Choice.  Florida's Attorney General Pam Bondi requested in May that the Florida Supreme Court issue an advisory opinion concerning the validity of the proposed language.

The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which represents 80,000 Hispanic owned businesses in Florida, is greatly concerned that the current ballot language does not inform the voter of the price increases to their electrical bill that would occur if the Solar Amendment is approved.  As the brief filed today states, "A citizen may want to vote "yes" to increase solar choice, but the vote may be "no" if the ballot fully informed the voters of the potential adverse consequence on overall electric rates or the other issues that may arise from granting exempt status to  the Solar Providers."  "Voters have a right to know exactly what they are voting on.  Excluding critical information can alter the outcome of the vote," stated Julio Fuentes, President and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber is also concerned with potential public safety and operational issues because the proposed ballot language seeks to exempt solar providers from all current regulatory provisions, resulting in a lack of oversight and protection to the consumer.  For example, in the event of a hurricane, should the proposed ballot measure win, the solar provider is exempt from the current requirements concerning safety measures or restoration of service.  "Again, voters should clearly know from the ballot language the consequences resulting from deregulating the solar industry; it's a matter of common sense and consumer protection," reiterated Fuentes.

In the brief the Chamber highlights its support for alternative energy initiatives, and concludes that, although it may be well-intentioned, the proposed ballot language misleads the voter concerning current Florida law and the adverse consequences for the consumer should the Solar Ballot Amendment prevail.  "It is my hope that Florida's Supreme Court thoroughly reviews the concerns raised in our initial brief and issues an opinion that protects the voter and all Florida consumers," concluded Mr. Fuentes.

CONTACT: Luana Gonzcalves
954-415-8982    
[email protected]  

SOURCE Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce