Earthjustice Statement on the Defeat of Florida’s Deceptive Solar Amendment
Amendment 1 aimed to derail rooftop solar in Florida
On election day, Florida voters stopped a deceptive solar amendment masquerading as being pro-solar from passing in Florida.
By defeating the proposed Constitutional amendment, Florida voters also prevented higher utility bills for people who install rooftop solar.
The utility-backed Amendment 1 promised rights and protections Florida citizens already have, while paving the way for barriers that would penalize rooftop solar customers in the state. By defeating the proposed Constitutional amendment, voters also prevented higher utility bills for people who install rooftop solar.
In 2016, Earthjustice argued in the Florida Supreme Court on behalf of advocates to try to stop the utility-backed Amendment 1, “Rights of Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy Choice,” from being placed on the ballot. In a 4–3 decision, the court narrowly ruled against opponents of the utility-backed proposal, even as a dissenting justice in the case wrote that the amendment was “the proverbial ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing.’”
The following is a statement from Tania Galloni, Earthjustice Managing Attorney for Florida:
“Florida voters weren’t fooled by the misleading campaign that the utilities tried to perpetrate. It’s great to see the little guys win for a change. This is a win for Florida citizens, who deserve a healthy market for affordable solar power in Florida.”
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