Florida - with an abundance of natural resources and innovations emerging from Florida's world class universities - has great potential to be a leader in the production of renewable energy.

To reach our potential, we must overcome the challenges that stand in the way, such as the instability in the energy market. The energy market is the most manipulated market in the world. Changes in government leadership shift focus from one energy source to another. The short-term government incentives - or disincentives - make it difficult for the private sector to invest in implementing great ideas.

Since assuming the responsibilities of the state Office of Energy as a result of the 2011 legislative session, we've been focused on working with the Governor and the Legislature to develop and implement a long-term strategy that will restore confidence in the energy market and foster growth in the clean energy industry.

The objective of Florida's energy policy must be to secure a stable, reliable and diverse supply of energy. We must have an "all of the above" strategy in order to meet this objective, one that supports research and development for all potential options. We can't be in the business of picking winners and losers; rather, our strategy must rely on the market to determine what makes sense for Florida.

At the Florida Energy Summit in Orlando, I called on thought leaders in energy to help us pass measures this legislative session that will reduce burdens on businesses, incentivize growth in the clean energy industry and promote energy efficiency.

These efforts will not only help Florida secure a stable, reliable and diverse supply of energy to our state; they will also bring much-needed job opportunities to Florida.