TALLAHASSEE — Climate change has become a lower priority in Florida, with a bill signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday that would remove most of it from state law, but it does not include much of it offshore or near the state’s long coastline. It also bans wind turbines for power generation.
Critics say the bill enacted by the former Republican presidential candidate ignores the reality of climate change threats to Florida, including rising sea levels, extreme heat, flooding and predictions of more intense storms. criticized for doing so.
The bill, which takes effect July 1, would facilitate natural gas expansion, ease regulations on gas pipelines in the state, and strengthen protections against bans on gas appliances such as stoves, according to a news release from the governor’s office. It turns out.
DeSantis suspended his presidential campaign in January and later endorsed rival Donald Trump, calling the bill a common-sense approach to energy policy.
“We are coming to terms with our approach to energy and rejecting the plans of radical green fanatics,” DeSantis said. in post on X social media platforms.
Florida already relies on natural gas for about 74% of its electricity generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Opponents of the bill signed by DeSantis say it removes the word “climate” in nine places and shifts the state’s energy goals from efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases blamed for global warming. He claims to keep it away.
“This intentional act of cognitive dissonance is evidence that the Governor and the Legislature are not acting in the best interests of Floridians, but rather to protect the interests of the fossil fuel industry. ,” said Yoca Arditi Rocha, executive director of the nonprofit Creo Institute. , advocates for climate change education and action.
The bill would also require government agencies to hold meetings and conferences at hotels certified as “green lodges” by the state’s environmental agency, and require agencies to prioritize fuel efficiency when purchasing new vehicles. requirements have also been abolished. It would also eliminate the requirement for Florida officials to check a list of “climate-friendly” products before purchasing.
In 2008, legislation to combat climate change and promote renewable energy was unanimously passed by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by then-Gov. Charlie Crist, then a Republican. Former governor and current Republican Sen. Rick Scott took steps to rescind some of those measures after becoming governor in 2011, but this latest bill would go further. be.
The bill DeSantis signed will begin research into small nuclear reactor technology, expand the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles and strengthen the safety of the power grid, the governor’s office said.
