Cities and urban areas are in a unique position to combat climate change, because cities and urban areas are responsible for producing 70% of climate-changing greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions worldwide. By taking positive steps to reduce GHG emissions and otherwise mitigate the effects of climate change, cities can improve their quality of life, enhance their economic prosperity, and protect the livability of our cities.

On July 20, 2016, the City Commission adopted a Resolution supporting Florida Amendment 4 (2016), entitled “Solar Devices or Renewable Energy Source Devices, Exemption from Certain Taxation and Assessment”, in order to support tax reductions on solar energy equipment and promote the use of solar energy in Florida. Allowing non-utility solar providers to provide solar generated electricity directly to customers through a Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”) can remove the upfront cost for solar power systems to homeowners and expand solar power options to residential and commercial tenants ? thereby expanding the choice for solar power to all Floridians.

Florida spends approximately $58 billion each year buying carbon-based fuels from other states and countries to power our homes, businesses, and cars. Solar power would keep energy dollars here at home and create well-paying local jobs. Supporting policies that encourage solar will help lowering the cost of solar power and consequently lead to significantly more solar energy development. Under the guise of “protecting consumer rights,” Amendment 1 would elevate the existing rights of our lawmakers to further regulate solar energy use and establish that regulatory power as a constitutional right in Florida, creating a barriers for solar development.

The following is presented to the members of the Mayor and City Commission for discussion and further direction. The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission adopt the herein Resolution opposing to Florida Amendment 1 (2016).