As Election Day approaches, fans of expanding solar power are hoping to debunk myths about Florida's Amendment 1, a ballot proposal that would hold constraints on the industry in place.

On Thursday, Mayor Rick Kriseman and leaders of several national organizations teamed up to speak out against Amendment 1 in downtown St. Petersburg. National leaders of the Sierra Club and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) spoke alongside the mayor on the steps of City Hall to voice their oppositions to what critics call shady amendment.

In a nutshell, Amendment 1 is supported by big utility companies. These companies have invested millions, and they want consumers to believe their investment is going toward spreading solar energy. However, this amendment will actually keep solar energy distribution and pricing in the hands of utility companies – thus maintaining the industry's monopoly on how homes and businesses are powered. This also gives them the ability to hike up the prices for consumers. Amendment is actually doing the opposite of spreading solar energy – it’s holding Florida back, opponents say.

“It will not help jump start solar in Florida,” said Tom Kimbis, SEIA’s interim president. “Florida is ready to go solar.”

Michael Brune, National Executive Director of the Sierra Club, listed the many ways in which communities across the country have begun curbing their dependence on “dirty fuel.” Communities, schools, and businesses nationwide are decreasing their footprint in places like New Jersey and Georgia, yet the Sunshine State, ironically, is stuck on nonrenewable power.

“The utility companies are holding you back,” said Brune.

Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch also weighed in on the subject.

“Amendment 1 is deceptive,” he said. “Florida can and must do better.”

Welch noted how opposition to Amendment 1 spans the political spectrum, from tea party activists to staunch environmentalists. Polls show the vast majority of Floridians want to expand solar power, regardless of other political leanings — and until this week, they also showed the vast majority in support of Amendment 1.

“I want to encourage everyone to vote no Amendment 1,” Kriseman said.

Voters across Florida have gathered to discuss the problematic amendment Thursday. Partner events were held in Tampa, Ft. Myers, Gainesville, Miami, Pensacola, Orlando, and several other cities. It is clear that much of Florida is against the utility companies when it comes to solar rights.

"We are up against well-heeled corporations who will stop at nothing to preserve their monopoly power," said Kimbis.

Though most polling showed the amendment getting more than the 60 percent support needed, in recent days polling of Florida voters has shown it not hitting the mark.

This article appears in Nov 3-10, 2016.