Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Wednesday that will significantly reduce the focus on climate change in Florida’s state statutes. This legislation, which takes effect on July 1, aims to prioritize other energy policies over climate change considerations.
The new law bans offshore wind power generation and promotes the expansion of natural gas in the state. It also reduces regulations on gas pipelines and enhances protections against bans on gas appliances such as stoves.
Governor DeSantis described the bill as a “commonsense approach to energy policy,” rejecting what he termed the “agenda of the radical green zealots.” He emphasized that the legislation is designed to restore sanity to Florida’s energy strategy.
The legislation I signed today—HB 1645, HB 7071, and HB 1331—will keep windmills off our beaches, gas in our tanks, and China out of our state.
We’re restoring sanity in our approach to energy and rejecting the agenda of the radical green zealots.
Furthermore, we’re going to… pic.twitter.com/G13RcdxIBR
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 15, 2024
According to the US Energy Information Administration, Florida currently relies on natural gas for about 74% of its electric generation. The new law aims to boost this reliance further by facilitating the expansion of natural gas infrastructure and reducing regulatory hurdles.
The bill also includes measures to study small nuclear reactor technology, expand the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles, and enhance the security of the electric grid. These steps are part of a broader strategy to diversify Florida’s energy sources and improve energy reliability.
The legislation removes the word “climate” from state laws in nine different instances and shifts the state’s energy goals away from efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases. Critics argue that this move ignores the reality of Florida’s environmental challenges, such as rising sea levels, extreme heat, and severe storms.
Despite these criticisms, DeSantis remains committed to his energy policy, which he believes is in the best interest of Floridians. By focusing on natural gas and other energy sources, DeSantis aims to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply for the state.