CAES News
Powerful Florida Survey Reveals Strong Public Support for Increased Access to Domestic Energy Sources
New consumer alliance unveils results and calls for solution to nation's energy crisis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 14, 2006
CONTACT: Elizabeth Hirst
850-222-3767
ORLANDO – Supported by dramatic new survey results, a diverse group of consumers, businesses, agricultural and manufacturing leaders today joined forces to announce the formation of the Florida Consumer Alliance for Energy Security. The Alliance was armed with results from a statewide survey demonstrating that, in a dramatic shift, Florida voters overwhelmingly support accessing domestic energy sources as residents and business owners continue to reel from the impact of rising energy prices.
“Record high energy costs are taking their toll on every consumer, business and community in this state and there’s no end in sight to the escalating prices,” said Alliance spokesman Barney Bishop. “It is clear; the tide of public opinion has turned in Florida on the subject of offshore energy exploration. In fact, a survey of residents conducted just two weeks ago reveals that nearly sixty percent of Floridians now agree the abundant energy resources on the Outer Continental Shelf must be a part of the nation’s energy solution.”
The poll, conducted May 31-June 1, surveyed 600 Floridians. Among key finding of the statewide poll:
• 93% of Floridians consider the rising cost of energy in their communities a serious problem
• 88% say higher energy costs are having an impact on their families’ monthly budgets
• 74% agree that current energy policies that limit access to natural gas supplies need to be changed
• Nearly 60% favor increasing offshore drilling for natural gas on the Outer Continental Shelf
• 54% believe that increasing energy production and supply in the US is the most effective solution to help lower energy costs
• 76% say increased energy costs are hurting Florida’s economy and threatening jobs
The Alliance recognizes that Florida, as an enormous consumer of energy, has a responsibility to help alleviate the energy problems facing the nation. Members are calling on the state’s Congressional delegation to take swift action by supporting legislation that will ease current tight energy restrictions and allow for safe and expanded access to untapped domestic energy sources on the OCS.
Florida ranks third in the nation in consumption of energy, in large part due to the state’s agricultural and manufacturing industries which rely heavily on natural gas to produce crops and consumer goods. As a result, escalating energy prices are limiting job growth and forcing higher-priced consumer goods.
The Florida Alliance launched its efforts at a family-owned bakery in Central Florida; a small business that has seen its natural gas bills nearly triple in the past three years. “For thirty years we have been taking good care of our loyal customers and giving back to this community,” said Frank Perrotta, founder of Bagel King Bakery. “But now our business is in jeopardy. Many of the people we serve are seniors on fixed incomes. We can’t double their food prices just to make up for these outrageous energy prices.”
With nearly three-quarters of those surveyed favoring a change to current U.S. energy policies, Alliance members are urging Congress to pass safe and sensible legislation that will offset the current economic threat to Florida families and communities and enhance the energy security of the entire nation.
The Florida Consumer Alliance for Energy Security will continue to recruit additional supporters to press Congress for policies that allow for the safe expansion of energy exploration.
Alliance members include:
American Chemistry Council
Arizona Chemical
Arr-Maz Custom Chemicals, Inc.
Associated Industries of Florida
Bill Weiler, Retired Industry worker/consultant
CF Industries
DCR Engineering Services, Inc
Epperson & Company
Florida Carbonics
Florida Gulf Coast Building Trades Council
Florida Plastics Council
Floridians for Industry, Jobs & Growth
Florida Transportation Builders Association
Florida Fertilizer & Agrichemical Association
Frank Perrotta, Bagel King Bakery
Metal Essence
Michael Holley Chevrolet
Mosaic Fertilizer LLC
Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
Underground Utility Contractors
Weyerhaeuser Federal Affairs
The Florida Alliance is a state affiliate of the national advocacy organization, The Consumer Alliance for Energy Security. For more information on the national consumer coalition, please refer to the website www.secureourenergy.com.