Florida Supreme Court Decision on Citizen Challenge to Utility-Backed Solar Power Amendment Disappoints

The Florida Supreme Court decision today is a blow to the future of rooftop solar power in Florida.

"This dirty political trick perpetrated by the giant utility corporations will now be on the ballot in November," said Earthjustice attorney David Guest. "This amendment hoodwinks voters by giving the impression that it will encourage the use of rooftop solar when, in fact, it would do the opposite. If the Constitutional amendment passes, people who install rooftop solar could end up with higher utility bills than if they did not have solar.

"It's a sneaky attempt to derail rooftop solar in Florida. They call it the 'Smart Solar' amendment, but in truth, it ought to be called the 'Smart-Ass' amendment. People should vote it down."

Earthjustice filed its Florida Supreme Court challenge on behalf of three citizen groups: Progress Florida, Environment Florida, and the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida.

"The future of how we produce electricity is changing fast, and it's a no-brainer that Florida should be a world leader in the use of solar power," said Mark Ferrulo, Executive Director of Progress Florida. "Instead, we are seeing the worst kind of special-interest politics. The deep-pocket utilities are doing everything to hold tight to their lucrative monopoly. To pad their own pockets, they are trying to squash independent innovation."