US Forest land planning rule welcomed by FRA

A new planning rule that could increase forest land in the United States is being supported by research and analysis consultancy, Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

Seattle, United States, January 27, 2012 -- A new planning rule that could increase forest land in the United States is being supported by research and analysis consultancy, Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The new planning rule that is intended to help protect the country’s 193-acres of national forest, according to a statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The planning rule, which will be known as the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule, will provide better protection for the National Forest System and the rural communities that depend on forestry and live near the forests of North America. Secretary Vilsack explained, “The most collaborative rule making effort in agency history has resulted in a strong framework to restore and manage our forests and watersheds and help deliver countless benefits to the American people.”

The plan outlines some of the ‘preferred alternatives’ to the existing plan, which will focus more on protecting communities and maintaining forests for the benefit of the people. Encouraging managed forestry and sustainable approaches to the forestry industry is seen as essential for all densely forested countries, according to FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

He added, “Reforestation projects are essential to help ensure that the forestry industry is run in a fully sustainable way that provides assurance that generations to come will both be able to enjoy the forests but also use them to make a living.”

FRA claims that encouraging investment in forestry, and particularly in sustainable plantation projects in developing countries, such as the projects run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, can help to provide protection for forests and the forestry industry.

The plans attracted support from the US Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, who stated, “Under our preferred alternative, plan revisions would take less time, cost less money, and provide stronger protections for our lands and water. Finalizing a new rule will move us forward in managing our forests and grasslands, and will create or sustain jobs and income for local communities around the country.”

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Tel: (206) 316 8394
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FPL's Cape Canaveral modernization creates jobs and will save customers money

The large bang in August 2010 that signaled the demolition of FPL's 1960s-era Cape Canaveral Power Plant in Cocoa, Fla., has been replaced by different sounds of progress. Approximately 500 workers are currently constructing FPL’s state-of-the-art Cape Canaveral Next Generation Clean Energy Center.

Juno Beach, FL, January 27, 2012 -- The large bang in August 2010 that signaled the demolition of FPL's 1960s-era Cape Canaveral Power Plant in Cocoa, Fla., has been replaced by different sounds of progress.

The Port St. John construction site is now alive with warning horns and the rattling din of diesel cranes and trucks. Cranes lift structures that exceed 370 tons, as pipefitters and welders in hard hats piece the new clean energy center together.

Approximately 500 workers are currently constructing FPL’s state-of-the-art Cape Canaveral Next Generation Clean Energy Center. Scheduled to open in 2013, the center will use high-efficiency, combined-cycle natural gas technology to generate power with 33 percent less fuel per megawatt-hour, far fewer emissions than the former plant, and save customers of about $600 million in fuel charges over and above the cost of building it.

The workers represent an economic boost, which is being recognized and appreciated by local residents and Brevard County officials. According to Florida Today, their presence increases revenue for local real estate, restaurant and retail industries. In 2014, the plant’s first full year of operation, it is expected to provide $11.7 million in new tax revenue for local governments. Brevard County Commissioner Robin Fisher said the $4.8 million county portion will help spur other economic development in northern Brevard through a special North Brevard Economic Development Zone.

Norm Thomas, a seasonal resident who winters in a home park north of the plant, appreciates FPL’s investment in his community.

“I know that’s a huge expense for them,” he told Florida Today. “But it’s good for the public, and it’s good for the environment.”

FPL is investing more than $1 billion to build the new facility, which will produce 1,250 megawatts of power, a 56 percent increase from the 800-megawatt capacity of the old generators.

“FPL’s investments in recent years to modernize its power plant fleet - phasing out older, oil-fired units with cleaner, more efficient natural gas-fired generating capacity - are helping keep FPL’s typical customer bill the lowest in the state, while providing top quartile reliability,” said Construction Project Director Dave Santilli. “By installing state-of-the-art, combined-cycle natural gas turbines at several FPL plants, the company has cut fuel costs by $5 billion since 2001 and passed those savings on to customers.”

Visit http://www.FPL.com/Cape to learn more information and view video and photos from the demolition.

About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla. - based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
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