Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed laws on Wednesday that will result in climate change being given less priority in the state and largely removed from state statutes.
The bill also includes a ban on power-generating wind turbines offshore or near Florida's extensive coastline.
Florida's Vulnerability to Climate Change Spurs Policy Change
DeSantis, a politician who had aspirations for the 2024 presidential race, recently approved a bill that provides certain advantages to natural gas companies. Additionally, the bill eliminates the previous mandate for state-purchased vehicles to be fuel efficient.
Florida, with 8,346 miles of shoreline and water surrounding three of its sides, is considered one of the most vulnerable states when it comes to climate change impacts, based on various metrics.
According to a news release from the governor's office, this new policy will go into effect on July 1. It aims to promote the expansion of natural gas, streamline regulations on gas pipelines, and enhance protections against bans on gas appliances like stoves.
DeSantis, who halted his presidential campaign in January and later supported his fierce competitor Donald Trump, described the bill as a rational approach to energy policy.
The legislation also eliminates requirements that government agencies hold conferences and meetings in hotels certified by the state's environmental agency as "green lodging" and that government agencies make fuel efficiency the top priority in buying new vehicles.
It also ends a requirement that Florida state agencies look at a list of "climate-friendly" products before making purchases.
Ron DeSantis,GOP Oppose Biden's Green Agenda
DeSantis along with other Republicans have expressed opposition to President Joe Biden's green agenda, with former President Donald Trump vowing to reverse some of the Democrat's climate provisions if he were to win a second term in the fall.
In late January, the Florida governor decided to end his presidential campaign, as he placed a distant second to Trump in the Iowa caucuses.
DeSantis expressed his support for Trump as he concluded his tenure and has indicated that he will now begin fundraising for the expected Republican nominee.
Join the Conversation