Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a proclamation recognizing this week as Clean Energy Week across the state.

In a 2021 proclamation in conjunction with the fifth annual National Clean Energy Week (NCEW), the Governor noted the most recent Florida Leads Budget which built upon historic investments in the state’s environmental resources through the use of innovated technology, and boosted clean energy infrastructure through the expansion of electronic vehicle charging stations.

“Florida is committed to the preservation of the natural environment and is implementing common sense solutions to address our environmental, economic, and energy needs,” said DeSantis in his proclamation. “Clean Energy Week in Florida is an opportunity to encourage all individuals and organizations to implement eco-friendly and clean energy practices that reduce air pollution and mitigate other harmful impacts to our environment.”

Founded in 2017, NCEW brings together government officials, industry associations, businesses, non-profits, and advocates in the clean energy space for events in Washington, D.C., and across America. The weeklong recognition honors the clean energy sector’s contributions to America’s economic strength while reducing global emissions. Among the unique programming offered throughout the week, the NCEW Policy Makers Symposium will convene lawmakers, energy advocates, and private sector leaders for enlightening and influential clean energy and climate policy discussions.

“Thank you, Governor DeSantis for recognizing the important role that clean energy plays in addressing Florida’s economic and energy needs through your Clean Energy Week proclamation,” said Heather Reams, chair of NCEW and executive director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES). “Today, 85 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are created outside of the United States. This means that U.S. energy and climate policy must foster innovation and commercialization pathways that work as well for Florida as they do for India. The fifth annual NCEW and the Policy Makers Symposium will provide a bipartisan platform to learn more about what is ahead for clean energy and build the necessary bridges between policy, finance, and innovation to make strides in this critical area.

Last year, DeSantis, along with more than half of the nation’s governors, signed proclamations officially recognizing Clean Energy Weeks in their respective states.

Florida Power and Light (FPL) also celebrated Florida’s movement towards green energy, highlighting their voluntary FPL SolarNow program which allows customers to support solar trees or canopies.

First unveiled in 2018, the solar trees, which provide shade and harness the power of the sun while generating emissions-free energy, are capable of producing up to three kilowatts of solar energy – enough to power an electric vehicle 15,000 miles per year. FPL says the new program will help provide clean solar energy to communities across the Sunshine State.

“Clean energy is the future,” said Kira Rodriguez, FPL Spokesperson. “We find that these installations are just symbols of sustainability that turn tourist destinations like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium into a clean energy landmark.”