Civic Groups Jump-Start Debate About Energy

A Florida coalition of non-profit organizations - from the Sierra Club to the League of Women Voters - wants candidates - specifically Congressional candidates - to start talking about the future of energy.

They've endorsed four key goals for Congress: reduce oil dependency;' harness clean renewable energy sources;' build energy efficient homes;' and a tripling of research money.

Shirley Acuri is with the Hillsborough County League of Women Voters.

ACURI: We take positions on issues not candidates. But we do have strong environmental protection positions particularly renewable, sustainable energy resources and conservation.

Environment Florida is directing the new energy effort and has sent copies of its platform to all federal candidates for office asking for their comments and endorsements.