An outrageous legislation amidst the global climate crisis: De Santis is said to "protect profits for the fossil fuel industry" by signing the Florida bill
In a controversial move, Florida's governor signed a bill that not only eliminates climate change from the state's energy policy but also bans offshore wind turbines, sparking outrage among environmentalists. Critics argue this legislation ignores the pressing climate threats Florida faces, from rising sea levels to intensifying hurricanes, and prioritizes fossil fuel profits over the well-being of Floridians.
The legislation (HB 1645) was signed on Wednesday and has already faced a major backlash. The bill reorganizes the state’s fuel-based energy policy and makes climate change no longer a priority when making energy policy decisions. Along with eliminating the words "climate change" from the state statutes, it also targets the power-generating power-generating wind turbines offshore or along the state’s extensive coastline, as they are now banned under this legislation.
"The legislation I signed today [will] keep windmills off our beaches, gas in our tanks, and China out of our state," said the governor in Florida's Voice report. "We’re restoring sanity in our approach to energy and rejecting the agenda of the radical green zealots."
Climate change threats in Florida
Critics are pointing to the government's ignorance of the reality of climate change in Florida. According to Florida Climate Center data, there have been numerous studies and events that contradict the legislation:
- Florida's substantial average annual temperature rise: an increase to 3.5°F, compared to 2.7°F globally,
- An increase in hurricane intensity and probability of major category strength,
- Projections of sea level rise for the Southeast U.S. average 16-23 inches by 2050,
- Increase in heavy and extremely heavy rainfall events,
- Increased risk of climate variability and extreme weather events.
"This purposeful act of cognitive dissonance is proof that the governor and state Legislature are not acting in the best interests of Floridians, but rather to protect profits for the fossil fuel industry," comments Yoca Arditi-Rocha, executive director of the nonprofit Cleo Institute on ABC News.
Undermining the work towards climate friendly change
The legislation takes effect July 1 and aims to guarantee "an adequate, reliable, and cost-effective supply of energy for the state in a manner that promotes the health and welfare of the public and economic growth." According to a news release from the governor's office, the new rules will enhance the growth of natural gas, ease regulations on state gas pipelines, and strengthen safeguards against prohibitions on gas appliances like stoves. They will also initiate a study on small nuclear reactor technology, promote the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles, and improve electric grid security.
The 2008 bill promoting renewable energy and addressing climate change concerns passed unanimously in both legislative chambers. Since 2011, attempts have been made to undo some of the measures by former governor Rick Scott, a Republican U.S. senator. This legislation took it even further.
It's worth noting that this isn't the first instance of the DeSantis administration demonstrating a reluctance to address climate change. A year ago, he declined over $350 million in federal funding for energy efficiency initiatives in Florida. Subsequently, he rejected another $320 million in federal funds aimed at reducing vehicle emissions, which were part of the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act designated for carbon-reduction projects, according to The News Service of Florida.
"I think it’s taking us absolutely in the wrong direction," comments Rep. Lindsay Cross, an environmental scientist of the Environmental Science Associates group.
The CLEO Institute’s executive director, Yoca Arditi-Rocha went on to make a connection of the bill with economical issues. "Floridians are on the frontlines of rising sea levels, rising extreme heat, rising property insurance prices, more frequent floods, and more severe storms. This purposeful act of cognitive dissonance is proof that the governor and the state Legislature are not acting in the best interests of Floridians, but rather to protect profits for the fossil fuel industry."
The recent public study shows that Floridians agree with the 2008 legislation. In the Floride Climate Resilience Survey, a poll of 1,400 showed that the public agrees with the 2008 legislation. The results indicate that 68% want the state government to take action to combat climate change, and 69% want the federal government to do more to address the issue.
Sources: ABC News, Florida Climate Center
