Florida shifts focus from climate change to energy security in new legislation
Florida’s energy policy may exclude climate change considerations.
Amy Green reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Florida's proposed bill redefines its energy policy, emphasizing energy independence and security while removing references to climate change.
- The legislation seeks to cancel renewable energy targets set in 2022, advocating instead for a reduction in reliance on foreign energy sources.
- If signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, the bill would dismantle initiatives from previous administrations that aimed to address greenhouse gas emissions.
Key quote:
“We are literally watching south Florida go extinct while our government promotes the very entities that perpetuate these antiquated ways of business that are causing the problems in the first place.”
— Delaney Reynolds, University of Miami student
Why this matters:
This legislation has profound implications for Florida's environmental and health policies, essentially sidelining climate change considerations in favor of economic growth and energy security. As a state particularly vulnerable to climate impacts, the redirection could have lasting effects on its resilience in the face of future environmental challenges. Read more: With Ian, treat climate like an 'active shooter.'
