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Mandates on the use of renewable energy would have a profound impact on the environment, but at what cost?

BY JOHN DORSCHNER

jdorschner@MiamiHerald.com

A crucial argument about the best way to combat global warming comes down to two alternatives that may seem deceptively simple:

* Force utilities to make a certain percentage of electricity from renewable resources, such as solar and wind.

* Make utilities pay a stiff fine for the greenhouse gases they produce from coal and natural gas, then let the utilities figure out the most economical way of reducing their emissions.

How this plays out could mean a big hit to Floridians' wallets.

Some energy economists and a group of regulators warn that the southeastern states, including Florida, are a bad area for generating solar and wind power, meaning a renewable energy requirement would be expensive.

Many environmentalists and some politicians disagree, saying solar power can work here and the country needs both a renewable standard plus cap-and-trade, a policy that penalizes those who use greenhouse gases. Gov. Charlie Crist has called for utilities to make 20 percent of their power from renewables.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama wants a 25 percent standard by 2025. Republican candidate John McCain opposes setting a standard, believing the best way to cut back emissions is through cap-and-trade.

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