Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new energy bill that shifts the state’s focus away from climate change and renewable energy, emphasizing affordable and reliable energy sources. Effective July 1, this law bans offshore wind farms in state waters, citing their high costs and inconsistent power generation. Additionally, the state will no longer consider climate change in its energy policies and has repealed grants promoting renewable energy due to concerns about their reliability and expense.
The new law supports the expansion of natural gas and reduces regulations on gas pipelines. It also enhances protections against bans on gas appliances, such as stoves, and mandates that electric co-ops and cities have hurricane restoration plans to receive state funding.
Governor DeSantis framed the legislation as a move to keep “windmills off our beaches, gas in our tanks, and China out of our state,” rejecting what he called the “radical green zealots’” agenda. The law contrasts sharply with California’s and President Biden’s energy policies.
DeSantis criticized Biden’s approach to making the U.S. reliant on China for energy due to China’s dominance in producing electric vehicles and batteries and processing critical minerals.
For more information, contact Sean Wallentine.