Florida's Senate candidates differ sharply on climate views

Democratic challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Republican incumbent Rick Scott present voters with starkly different approaches to climate policy as they vie for Florida's U.S. Senate seat.

Amy Green reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

Rick Scott, who as governor allegedly banned the term "climate change" in state agencies, has historically downplayed environmental action, focusing on economic growth instead.
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell emphasizes climate-resilient infrastructure and addressing sea level rise, citing Florida’s vulnerability to climate change impacts.
Recent polls show a tight race, with Florida potentially determining control of the U.S. Senate and the future of climate legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act.

Key quote:

“Scott really seemed not to do much to help the environment and instead seemed to go out of his way to do things to hurt the environment. He was just so focused on economic development, it was to the exclusion of everything else.”

— Aubrey Jewett, School of Politics, Security and International Affairs at the University of Central Florida

Why this matters:

Florida is highly exposed to climate risks, including rising sea levels and stronger hurricanes. The election's outcome could influence U.S. climate policy, especially regarding clean energy investments and environmental regulations.

insideclimatenews.org

A row of solar panels stretching across a green landscape

Credit: Benoît Deschasaux/Unsplash+

Portugal’s proposed Sophia solar park sparks backlash over environmental and community impacts

A massive solar park planned for the Beira Baixa region of Portugal has drawn intense opposition from municipalities and environmental groups, who warn the project’s scale could irreversibly damage landscapes, habitats and local livelihoods despite the developer’s assurances of mitigation measures.

Read the Full Article on

www.euronews.com

Florida's Senate candidates differ sharply on climate views

Germany's green hydrogen industry is running out of time

The U.S. Forest Service is falling further behind on wildfire prevention

Portugal’s proposed Sophia solar park sparks backlash over environmental and community impacts

Scientists warn of emissions risks from the surge in satellites

Pennsylvania bailed on a carbon market to appease Republicans

WOTUS ‘wet season’ test would further shrink US regulatory reach

Hurricane season is over. Here's why the US never got hit

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.