Politics, cost holding back green progress (Jacksonville)

For many people the word “green” has become a way to sum up a new world culture. It’s a culture that puts the environment first with things like renewable energy and special building design. A green culture is thriving in places such as Portland, Oregon and Copenhagen, Denmark.

But many believe this new world culture is more than just “green.” They talk of “the culture of sustainability,” which integrates social and economic concerns with a greener outlook. For example, sustainability means more business and government investment in renewable energy because, when we import less oil, we’re less dependent on countries such as Iran, Venezuela and Saudi Arabia.

So just what is the state of a green and sustainable culture in Northeast Florida and what — if anything — is holding it back? The answer, it seems, is green and sustainable is growing here, but there are still cultural, economic and political attitudes hindering its widespread acceptance.

To be sure, there are many bright green spots on the horizon. For instance, JEA is building a 100-acre solar farm on the Westside. When it opens this summer, it will provide power to 2,700 homes.

Read the full story in the Jacksonville Business Journal.