Florida's 'green' legislation isn't as beneficial as it seems

Published South Florida Sun-SentinelMay 6, 2008

The Florida Legislature just approved House Energy Bill 7135, which is a disaster for taxpayers. It requires all governments, including cities, to construct according to "green standards," in an effort to reduce greenhouse gases. This will cause the cost of new public buildings to increase at least 10 percent.

It applies to all sizes of buildings. For example, if a municipality contracts for a new refreshment stand at a Little League baseball field, it will have to meet the green mandates, a waste of money for structures under 15,000 square feet.

There are various levels of green certifications. The proposed law does not specify what green certification level governments are to meet. Engineers are taught the gold and platinum levels are not cost beneficial. Green certification can be achieved by reducing the number of parking spaces, to encourage occupants to ride bicycles, car-pool or take public transportation.

This legislation makes state vehicles use ethanol when available. It is estimated 30 percent of the corn grown in this country is used to make ethanol. That is driving up the costs of corn and the foods made from corn, as well as beef and chicken.

The governor should be urged not to sign this into law.



Phil McConaghey

Pembroke Pines

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Phil McConaghey
Pembroke Pines, FL.

Note: After Army service during the Korean War Phil attended Ohio State on the G.I. Bill and became a Civil Engineer. He went to South Florida in 1958 and has also held elective offices over the years. Shrinking from controversy was never an attribute of Phil, Baldwin class of 1951. /s/Jack :)