How to meet energy demand

Energy policy

Florida continues to lead the nation when it comes to population growth, according to two recent news reports. One said Florida’s resident count will continue to grow by more than 300,000 people annually, while another said the Florida Chamber expects 3 million more drivers and 4.5 million more residents by 2030, plus 50 million more visitors each year.

How will we meet that energy demand and keep costs low? By encouraging our legislators and policy makers to create an energy plan that increases supplies of all resources — oil, natural gas, wind, solar, onshore and off — and ensures safe production.

It’s the only way to balance supply against growing demand while reducing energy expenses for all.

Floridians spend, on average, more than $2,500 annually on energy. That’s a taxing amount for many, especially the nearly 3 million in poverty statewide who regularly spend a double-digit percentage of take-home pay on energy.

There are more benefits to a smart, inclusive energy policy: greater economic opportunities to keep our economy growing and protect our state’s natural beauty. More jobs means more tax revenue to fund schools, roads, emergency response services and coastal beautification. Those are all things, like energy, we’ll soon need more of.

Kevin Doyle, Jacksonville

The writer is Florida director of the Consumer Energy Alliance.

Winner gets the most votes

The Electoral College

When will we get with the 21st century and implement the National Popular Vote bill? It’s way past time for all our votes to count equally and that will only happen with a system ensuring that the Electoral College picks the winner of the popular vote as president.

Sondra Rodgers, Spring Hill

Every student deserves lunch

200,000 Florida kids at risk of losing free school lunch | Dec. 3

We are reportedly the richest nation in the world, yet we do not want to enable our most vulnerable to have access to lunch so they can learn. Suffer (the) little children?

Nil Wilkins, Tampa

A human shield for Trump

The impeachment inquiry

In spite of dire warnings from experts of 17 governmental agencies, and clear evidence of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, the Republican leadership is standing tall with the president. While this shield is against the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law and not foreign invaders, it appears President Donald Trump has succeeded in building his wall.

Brian Valsavage, St. Petersburg

Just ignore those views

Pinellas hopeful denies Holocaust | Dec. 3

Perhaps the best solution to this overwhelming ignorance and hate is to stop covering this candidate for the Pinellas County Commission. Let’s not give him publicity, let’s not give him a place to air his appalling views. Maybe if we stop paying attention to him, he’ll go away.

Judy Ellis, St. Petersburg