On Tuesday, state House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, named state Rep. Bobby Payne, R-Palatka, to the Southern States Energy Board.
“The Southern States Energy Board was enacted by Congress in 1960 to enhance economic and innovations in energy and environment programs. Sixteen southern states and two territories are represented on the Board, with each governor and two legislators from each delegation,” the speaker’s office noted.
Sprowls weighed in on why he tapped Payne for the assignment, noting that he worked for Seminole Electric Cooperative for more than three and a half decades.
“Representative Payne’s long, impressive record in the energy sector will serve him well on the Southern States Energy Board,” said Sprowls. “His extensive knowledge in electric power generation, transmission and distribution across the state of Florida will prepare him well for this new role serving Florida’s consumers and our energy industry while protecting our natural resources and wildlife.”
Payne currently leads the House Ways and Means Committee. He is also the vice-chairman of the House Pandemics and Public Emergencies Committee and the State Affairs Committee. During his first term in the House, Payne was the vice chairman of the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee.
First elected to the Florida House in 2016, Payne represents all of Bradford, Putnam and Union Counties and part of Clay County.
Reach Kevin Derby at [email protected].
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