Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation into law that de-prioritizes climate change and bans power-generating wind turbines offshore or near the state’s coastline. The bill, set to take effect on July 1, also focuses on expanding the use of natural gas, reducing regulations on gas pipelines, and increasing protections for gas appliances like stoves. DeSantis defended the bill as a common-sense approach to energy policy and criticized “radical green zealots” for their agenda.
The new legislation has faced criticism from opponents who argue that it ignores the threats posed by climate change in Florida, such as rising seas, extreme heat, flooding, and severe storms. The bill removes the word “climate” from state statutes in nine different places and shifts the state’s energy goals away from efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Critics, including the nonprofit Cleo Institute, believe that the bill serves to protect profits for the fossil fuel industry rather than acting in the best interests of Floridians.
The legislation also eliminates requirements for government agencies to hold conferences in environmentally friendly hotels certified by the state and prioritizes fuel efficiency in vehicle purchases. This move follows previous actions taken by former Governor Rick Scott to undo a bill promoting renewable energy and addressing climate change that was passed in 2008 during Governor Charlie Crist’s tenure. The new law would also study small nuclear reactor technology, expand the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles, and enhance electric grid security.
Florida is currently heavily reliant on natural gas for electric generation, with about 74% of its energy coming from gas. The bill signed by Governor DeSantis further supports the expansion of natural gas use in the state and protects against bans on gas appliances. The Governor framed the legislation as a means to restore sanity in energy policy and reject what he views as an overly aggressive climate change agenda.
Critics argue that the bill’s emphasis on natural gas and lack of focus on renewable energy and climate change mitigation represent a regressive approach to energy policy. The repeal of measures promoting green practices within government agencies and the reduction of commitments to climate-friendly products signal a shift towards fossil fuel interests. While the bill aims to bolster energy security and promote technological innovation, opponents are concerned about the long-term environmental impacts and lack of proactive measures to address climate change in Florida.
