Florida's energy policies set the stage for resource preservation

In the Palm Beach Post's 'Point of View' section in Wednesday's paper, Drew Martin from the Sierra Club had something profound to say:

"It is time to move to energy from alternative sources that don’t pollute, such as solar. Burning trash is not the solution to our energy needs. We also need to reduce the amount of trash generated through composting and recycling. This will extend the life of our existing landfill."

The Sierra Club is hard at work. Sigh.

Now what do you think after reading this? Somewhat surprising:

"[a]n area where we have been producing oil for more than a half-century — the Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park areas — has received $30 million in LWCF [Land and Water Conservation Fund] funding in 2012 alone. In addition, the Florida Everglades Restoration Project has received about $58 million from the LWCF over the past three years to restore the natural flow of water in the Everglades ecosystem."

The above quote comes from David Mica, executive director of Florida Petroleum Council writing a 'Commentary' in today's Post titled: Offshore energy energizes Florida parks

Mr. Mica goes on to explain the history of the Land and Water Conservation Fund:

The LWCF is celebrating its 50th year. Its idea dates back to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, was built upon by President John F. Kennedy, and then enacted into law in 1964 during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration in a brilliant bipartisan congressional effort. What a “win-win” situation: Americans have access to affordable, reliable energy produced from domestic resources offshore, and our environment and cultural heritage is conserved using the revenues generated from royalties paid by the oil and natural gas industry.

You can listen to David Mica here. He was guest on my podcast, High Noon in Lake Worth. 

Florida is referred to as a "bellweather" state. And you as a citizen will have tough choices to make to lead the way in the coming years. Policy will guide us forward and we'll need people with the vision, experience, and education to draft these governmental and private-sector initiatives. 

Somehow, Drew Martin's solution to our trash problem, "composting and recycling" isn't that new of an idea. Something to think about before you write that next check to the Sierra Club. Maybe the answer going forward is cheap, reliable energy resources as Mr. Mica's proposes. And the LWCF has a proven track record with a solid impact on our environment here in south Florida.

Let me know what you think in the comments section below.