Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida signed a legislation that will no longer require the state government to consider climate change when crafting energy policy. The new law, which goes into effect on July 1, also prohibits the construction of offshore wind turbines in state waters and repeals state grant programs that encourage energy conservation and renewable energy. It also eliminates requirements for state agencies to use climate-friendly products and purchase fuel-efficient vehicles, as well as prevents municipalities from restricting the type of fuel used in appliances.
Despite being one of the states most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise and extreme weather events, Florida’s new legislation disregards the need to address climate change. Last year, the state experienced record heat and costly damages from hurricanes, leading to major insurers pulling out of the state, leaving homeowners to pay high insurance premiums. The governor has supported resilience programs for communities facing extreme weather, but the new legislation reflects a rejection of climate policies and prioritizes the fossil fuel industry over the health and safety of Floridians.
The move is seen as part of a broader partisan culture war, with Governor DeSantis attacking climate policies in alignment with a more conservative agenda. Despite the deletion of climate change as a priority in energy policy, lawmakers can still consider climate change if they choose to in the future. However, the symbolic significance of this action may deter private-sector investments in clean energy efforts within the state and impact climate research funding in universities. The consequences of the legislation may lead to increased costs for residents, higher climate-related disasters, and a loss of potential investment in sustainable energy solutions.
Florida’s energy sources are largely reliant on natural gas, nuclear power, solar, and coal, with no offshore wind industry currently in place. The clean energy organizing manager for the Florida Sierra Club criticized Governor DeSantis for prioritizing corporate interests over the well-being of Floridians, predicting negative impacts on fuel costs, insurance premiums, and climate-related disasters. The legislation’s negative repercussions could affect the state’s economy and overall resilience to extreme weather events, putting residents at greater risk.
Despite the state’s vulnerability to climate change impacts, Florida’s new legislation signifies a shift away from prioritizing climate action and renewables towards supporting fossil fuel interests. While the deletion of climate change as a priority in state energy policy may be symbolic, it could have a political effect on private-sector actions and research activities related to sustainability and climate change. The implications of this legislation could lead to increased costs for residents, heightened climate-related disasters, and a dampened investment climate for clean energy solutions in Florida.
