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.'

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Florida shifts focus from climate change to energy security in new legislation

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