Conservation group woos congressional hopefuls
Environment Florida wants candidates, especially in the 9th Congressional District, to back its platform.
By DONG-PHUONG NGUYEN
Published September 28, 2006
TAMPA - Crime, education and taxes typically dominate the political debate during Florida elections.
But renewable energy?
One conservation group hopes to bring the topic to the forefront in the weeks leading up to Election Day, and make sure those elected take action to support it once they're in office.
Environment Florida, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group whose mission is to protect Florida's air, water and open spaces, held a news conference Wednesday at the Museum of Science and Industry where it called on congressional candidates to pledge support for its goals.
While the group was addressing all candidates, it specifically targeted the 9th Congressional District race between Gus Bilirakis and Phyllis Busansky.
That district, which includes parts of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties, is among the more closely watched races.
Environment Florida sent out packets to all congressional candidates in Florida asking them to support a platform containing four points:
- Raising the auto fuel efficiency for cars and public transportation, thus reducing the dependency on oil.
- Mandating strong efficiency standards for new homes and buildings.
- Committing $30 billion by the federal government toward research of technology that would move the country toward a future with sustainable energy.
- Dramatically increasing renewable energy sources.
Candidates, including Busansky and Bilirakis, have been given until Oct. 27 to sign the pledge.
Liz Hittos, Bilirakis' deputy campaign manager, said Wednesday afternoon that Bilirakis had not had a chance to thoroughly review the documents, which were sent to them on Tuesday.
"Certainly, he's supportive of initiatives to better the environment," she said.
Meanwhile, Busansky's campaign manager, Rob Becker, said they, too, did not receive the papers until Tuesday evening.
"We're not opposed to all that," Becker said. "We're going to look at it and we'll let them know."
Environment Florida was joined in the news conference by representatives of a number of other groups, including the Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, Ocean Conservancy and Clean Water Action.
Environment Florida will release the list of candidates who signed the pledge, said director Mark Ferrulo, although it has not decided when.
"We're not trying to influence the outcome of elections," Ferrulo said. "We'd just like to see what they believe are critical issues."
Dong-Phuong Nguyen can be reached at 813 269-5312 or nguyen@sptimes.com.