Florida is on the verge of repealing a 16-year-old law that prioritizes climate change in energy policy decisions. The new bill awaiting Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature would focus on energy affordability and availability instead of climate change. The state, known for its susceptibility to sea-level rise and extreme weather, would no longer mention climate change in much of its laws. Republican Rep. Bobby Payne stated that the focus is on protecting consumers and ensuring energy security in the state.
Critics, including former Governor Charlie Crist, who championed green energy policies, argue that now is not the time to backtrack on climate change policy. Crist, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of addressing rising sea levels, especially in a state like Florida with a long coastline. The bill aims to reverse the efforts made by Crist during his time in office to promote renewable energy and combat climate change. The legislation passed with Republican support and Democratic opposition and is now awaiting the Governor’s decision.
The bill repeals the last remaining parts of the climate change law that Crist enacted during his time in office, which was partially undone by former Governor Rick Scott. Representative Payne, who has a background in the power industry, believes that the state needs to be more flexible in meeting its energy needs. He is not convinced that human energy consumption is detrimental to the planet and emphasizes the importance of reliability and cost efficiency in energy policy decisions. The bill also restricts local governments from enacting certain energy policies and de-emphasizes clean energy initiatives.
Critics of the bill, such as Brooke Alexander-Gross of Sierra Club’s Florida chapter, argue that removing climate change from state law will not address the underlying issue. She expresses disappointment in Governor DeSantis potentially signing the bill, as it would ignore the urgency of addressing climate change in a state like Florida. The bill also eliminates requirements for government agencies to prioritize fuel efficiency in vehicle purchases and hold meetings in environmentally sustainable locations. The legislation highlights a shift in priorities towards affordability and availability of energy over environmental concerns.
The bill represents a significant shift in Florida’s energy policy, prioritizing consumer protection and energy security over climate change initiatives. While some believe this focus is necessary for the state’s energy needs, others argue that ignoring climate change could have detrimental effects in a state susceptible to rising sea levels. The controversy surrounding the bill reflects broader debates about the role of government in addressing environmental challenges and the importance of prioritizing sustainability in energy policy decisions. Governor DeSantis’ decision on the bill will have long-term implications for Florida’s environmental and energy future.
