PHOTOS/VIDEO: Commissioner Fried Proclaims September 21-25 as National Clean Energy Week in Florida

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, an independently-elected member of the Florida Cabinet, issued a Cabinet proclamation recognizing September 21 to September 25 as National Clean Energy Week in the state of Florida. Joined by Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, Commissioner Fried highlighted the importance of clean energy to our state’s health, economy, climate, and future. Florida’s state Office of Energy is housed within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

“I’m proud that our Capital City is also one of Florida’s cleanest energy cities, and I applaud Mayor Dailey and the City of Tallahassee for their investments in clean, renewable energy technologies,” said Commissioner Fried. “Energy affects every one of us – it helps produce the food we eat, powers our homes and devices, moves us around our communities, and drives our economy. Our state’s very future depends on us getting energy right, so I’m proud to proclaim September 21 through 25 as National Clean Energy Week throughout Florida.”

PHOTOS/VIDEO: High-resolution photos and video of the press conference may be downloaded here.

The City of Tallahassee has made strides towards their goal of reaching 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Tallahassee has two solar farms producing 60 megawatts in solar-generated power, including the world’s largest airport-based solar farm. Compared to thirty years ago, the City of Tallahassee now services 50 percent more customers in Tallahassee while producing twenty percent less carbon dioxide emissions.

“We were one of the first municipalities to pass a clean energy resolution, setting the goal of 100 percent renewable by 2050 — and we are well on our way,” said Mayor Dailey. “As the capital of the Sunshine State, we are proud to produce the second-most solar energy per capita of any city in the country. In fact, we are the first city in state of Florida where 100 percent of all of our municipal buildings are powered by solar energy — city hall, fire stations, police stations, all municipally-owned buildings run on solar energy.”

In July, Commissioner Fried launched a $1 million low-income residential energy efficiency grant program to help counties reduce energy burdens for vulnerable Floridians. Last month, Fried launched a $2 million grant program to upgrade to help enhance energy efficiency and reduce the burden of high energy costs for Florida’s low-income families. Last month, Commissioner Fried launched a $2 million grant program to upgrade publicly-owned wastewater treatment plants with energy-efficient technology.

FDACS Office of Energy: Since taking office, Commissioner Fried has revitalized the FDACS Office of Energy, empowering the office with a new focus on energy efficiency, climate change, and low-income energy equity. Under Commissioner Fried’s leadership, the Office of Energy has highlighted the need for improved energy efficiency standards, hosted the first statewide summit to address climate change since 2008, and released the 76-page Florida Energy and Climate Plan[ ]. Since being transferred to FDACS in 2011, the Office has administered $158 million in state and federal funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, including energy efficiency upgrades for small and rural local governments. The Office has also provided hundreds of free energy and water audits for agricultural producers.

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