Speaker Larry Cretul

Gov. Charlie Crist continues to find himself at loggerheads with the Republican leadership in the Legislature -- this time over a budget matter involving funds from the federal stimulus targeted for Floridians looking to switch to solar power. 

Crist has been at odds with the legislative leadership for most of 2010 on matters ranging from the protracted fight over SB 6 to the less-than-an-hour special session of the House earlier in the summer.

The latest round between the governor and the Legislature started Tuesday when Crist sent a letter to Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, and House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, demanding to know why the leadership was not looking to gain access to federal funds for rebates for Floridians looking to purchase green energy and HVAC products.

“I would like to bring to your attention that $31.5 million in federal funds are immediately available to stimulate Florida’s economic recovery and assist Florida homeowners and businesses,” wrote Crist. “However, my request to include an item on the agenda for today’s Legislative Budget Commission meeting was not taken up, thereby denying Florida’s businesses and homeowners immediate access to these funds, which could provide rebates for installing solar panels and for upgrading residential heating and air-conditioning systems.

“I am disappointed that this matter was not on today’s Legislative Budget Commission meeting agenda,” continued Crist -- though it could not have been that surprising, considering the tension between the governor and the Republican leadership. “Florida has already received federal approval to use the funds; however, legislative authority is still needed. I continue to encourage you to act quickly so that these funds can begin flowing into Florida’s marketplace – and most importantly, begin providing jobs for Floridians.”

Crist then focused on one of the biggest points of contention between conservative Republicans and the moderate former Republican governor -- his support of the federal stimulus backed by President Barack Obama.

“As you are aware, the Florida Legislature created the popular solar rebate program in 2006 to encourage homeowners and businesses to switch to solar power, and due to the program’s extreme popularity, a $52 million backlog exists,” added Crist. “Thanks to the good work of Florida’s Energy Office, the United States Department of Energy has agreed to authorize the use of $13.9 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to reduce that backlog. Without your action, these funds cannot support Florida’s economic recovery.

“In addition, Florida was able to secure $17.5 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for HVAC rebates,” continued Crist, still focusing on the stimulus. “These rebates give Floridians an incentive to replace their heating and air-conditioning systems with more energy-efficient systems that will reduce energy consumption and create new green-energy jobs throughout Florida. Again, without your action, these funds cannot support Florida’s economic recovery.”

Crist ended with a plea to the leadership.

“In light of Florida securing federal approval to access these federal funds, it is with a sense of urgency that I again call on you to immediately ensure that the Legislative Budget Commission takes action to remedy this situation as soon as possible. Legislative authorization of these $31.5 million will benefit Florida’s economy today, as well as create a cleaner Florida for future generations.”

Cretul fired back at the governor Wednesday, arguing that Crist was asking for the leadership to circumvent the process.