Critics argue that the legislation passed by the former Republican presidential candidate fails to acknowledge the very real threats posed by climate change in Florida. These threats include rising sea levels, extreme heat, flooding, and more frequent and severe storms.
Florida currently relies on natural gas to power about 74% of its electric generation, as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Critics of the recently signed bill by DeSantis argue that it eliminates the mention of “climate” in multiple instances and shifts the state’s energy objectives away from efficiency and the mitigation of greenhouse gases, which are held responsible for global warming.
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Yocha Arditi-Rocha, executive director of the nonprofit Cleo Institute, which advocates for climate change education and engagement, believes that the governor and state Legislature’s decision to engage in cognitive dissonance reflects their prioritization of protecting profits for the fossil fuel industry over the best interests of Floridians.
The legislation removes the need for government agencies to host conferences and meetings exclusively in state-certified “green lodging” hotels. Additionally, it no longer prioritizes fuel efficiency when purchasing new vehicles for government use. Furthermore, the requirement for Florida state agencies to consider a list of “climate-friendly” products before making purchases has been eliminated.
In 2008, both legislative chambers unanimously passed a bill aimed at tackling climate change and promoting renewable energy. Former Republican Governor Charlie Crist signed this bill into law. However, when Republican U.S. Senator Rick Scott assumed the governor’s office in 2011, he took actions to reverse some of the provisions of this measure. The current bill goes even further in undoing the previous efforts.
According to the governor’s office, the measure signed by DeSantis will not only launch a study of small nuclear reactor technology but also expand the use of vehicles powered by hydrogen and enhance electric grid security.
