Drive Electric Florida (DEF) is a multi-stakeholder coalition consisting of utilities, electric vehicle manufacturers, Department of Energy Clean Cities Coalitions, environmental groups, local governments, EV owners groups and EV industry experts. Its mission is to support and accelerate the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in Florida by engaging and educating the public, businesses, and policy-makers; facilitating collaboration; and supporting EV-friendly policy and programs.
You will note that our club is a voting member of DEF.
Recently DEF organized and funded the National Drive Electric Week event in Tallahassee at the state Capitol Courtyard and Rotunda. Although it was open to the public, the main objective of the event was to gain face-to-face access to our state legislators.
I want to thank those club members who joined me at the event who volunteered to display their cars and man the information kiosk.
Our objective in organizing this special event was to pursue a number of EV-friendly legislative initiatives. They are:
• Pursuing a state-subsidized charging network
• Removing impediments to Multi-Unit Dwelling charging
• Promoting the use of EVs in state/municipal fleets
• Consumer sales tax exemption
I am pleased to report that we received a receptive ear from our legislators. Obviously the sales tax exemption presents particular challenges in getting it passed in this legislative session, but we are hopeful that we will eventually be successful even if it requires multiple years of advocacy.
Here is an overview of what was accomplished:
• Presented at the Senate Transportation Committee Meeting
• Formally met with 12 legislators and their staff
• Informally met with more than a dozen more – at our outdoor display and test drive area
• Conducted four prearranged test drives for legislators–and then met unexpected demand from several who wanted to drive after attending event
• Interacted with members of the public
• Engaged local Plug In EV owners, dealerships
• Met with members of the media and provided information about Plug In EVs and DEF’s policy priorities
• Estimated attendance: ~300
I attended the Senate Transportation Committee Meeting chaired by Senator Brandes.
Here are a couple of media links featuring Senator Brandes that you should find both interesting and encouraging.
Drive Electric Florida Day at the Capitol
Lawmakers test drive electric cars at the Capitol
I also met with Representative Berman. She is passionate in supporting EVs and solar energy initiatives.
With the proper support I feel that Drive Electric Florida will help make Florida one of the leading states promoting EV adoption.
Larry
You will note that our club is a voting member of DEF.
Recently DEF organized and funded the National Drive Electric Week event in Tallahassee at the state Capitol Courtyard and Rotunda. Although it was open to the public, the main objective of the event was to gain face-to-face access to our state legislators.
I want to thank those club members who joined me at the event who volunteered to display their cars and man the information kiosk.
Our objective in organizing this special event was to pursue a number of EV-friendly legislative initiatives. They are:
• Pursuing a state-subsidized charging network
• Removing impediments to Multi-Unit Dwelling charging
• Promoting the use of EVs in state/municipal fleets
• Consumer sales tax exemption
I am pleased to report that we received a receptive ear from our legislators. Obviously the sales tax exemption presents particular challenges in getting it passed in this legislative session, but we are hopeful that we will eventually be successful even if it requires multiple years of advocacy.
Here is an overview of what was accomplished:
• Presented at the Senate Transportation Committee Meeting
• Formally met with 12 legislators and their staff
• Informally met with more than a dozen more – at our outdoor display and test drive area
• Conducted four prearranged test drives for legislators–and then met unexpected demand from several who wanted to drive after attending event
• Interacted with members of the public
• Engaged local Plug In EV owners, dealerships
• Met with members of the media and provided information about Plug In EVs and DEF’s policy priorities
• Estimated attendance: ~300
I attended the Senate Transportation Committee Meeting chaired by Senator Brandes.
Here are a couple of media links featuring Senator Brandes that you should find both interesting and encouraging.
Drive Electric Florida Day at the Capitol
Lawmakers test drive electric cars at the Capitol
I also met with Representative Berman. She is passionate in supporting EVs and solar energy initiatives.
With the proper support I feel that Drive Electric Florida will help make Florida one of the leading states promoting EV adoption.
Larry
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