Co-Chair Gov. Whitman Speaks to the Florida Economic Club
Fresh off the heels of a very successful CASEnergy Capitol Hill Symposium in early May, the coalition hosted yet another great event in Tallahassee, FL. On May 30th, CASEnergy Co-Chair Governor Christine Todd Whitman addressed the Florida Economic Club, where she talked about nuclear power’s role in helping us meet future energy needs.
Click here to view the press release detailing Gov. Whitman’s Speech
An engaged audience of approximately 225 members of the club, asked questions and participated in discussions with Gov. Whitman. One highlight was when Gov. Wayne Mixson (former Democratic governor of Florida) stood up and said he would join the CASEnergy Coalition, and that he agreed with everything Gov. Whitman said in her speech.
Additionally, Florida CFO Alex Sink, a member of Governor Crist’s cabinet, which approves the siting of new nuclear plants, stated that she is interested in increasing nuclear as part of Florida’s energy supply mix.
There was significant media turnout, which led CASEnergy to hold an impromptu news conference with the Tallahassee Democrat; Bay News 9 (Tampa Bay) and 13 Central Florida News (Orlando); Florida News Channel; WCTV (Tallahassee CBS affiliate). The coverage was positive and touted the importance of a renewed look at nuclear energy in Florida. It will help also help raise greater visibility of the coalition. Additionally, the Tampa Tribune published an opinion editorial piece authored by Gov. Whitman on the clean air benefits of nuclear energy.
Please click here to view the Media Coverage
Following the speech, CASEnergy held a reception at the University Center on the Florida State University campus. CASEnergy brought together current and prospective members who are active in their communities and interested in the issues of clean and safe energy. Attendees included: Greg Boebinger, Director of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory; Michelle Vasilinda, candidate for House District 9; Alma Gonzalez, candidate for Leon County Commission; Liz Herbert Joyner, executive director, The Village Square; and Jim Rossi, legal expert on energy, FSU College of Law.
To read about the Capitol Hill Symposium on May 15, 2007, please click here.