By Skylar Zander, Americans for Prosperity-Florida
Florida’s growing population and rising energy use call for a smarter energy strategy.
Families are feeling the strain of high utility bills. Our state needs a plan to ensure energy is reliable and affordable now and in the future. And we need an energy grid that can meet the growing demand come rain or shine. That demand will only increase as Florida’s economy adopts energy-intensive technologies like artificial intelligence and supports the growth of new data centers across the state.
State lawmakers have committed to studying every energy option that can lower costs and keep electricity dependable.
That guiding principle is shaping Florida’s energy agenda this year. The goal is not to pick winners and losers. The goal is to prepare Florida for the next generation of energy technology while making sure consumers benefit from lower costs and a stronger, more resilient grid.
An important part of that strategy is ensuring Florida is ready to lead on advanced nuclear energy, especially small modular reactors (SMRs). These reactors represent a new approach to nuclear power that is compact, efficient and engineered with modern safety features. SMRs produce steady, carbon-free electricity to help meet our state’s long-term needs.
Florida’s legislature has a commonsense approach. Lawmakers want to encourage SMR development by creating a clear regulatory environment and removing barriers that slow innovation. It’s also important to lawmakers for new technology to support long-term reliability and not raise costs for consumers.
This thoughtful approach by the Legislature will pay dividends.
SMRs offer clear advantages that support Florida’s energy needs. Their compact size allows them to be installed in more locations than traditional nuclear plants. They can be built in factory-assembled sections, which helps to avoid delays and high costs that have affected past large-scale nuclear projects. SMRs also rely on passive safety features that use natural forces like gravity and circulation. This allows the systems to shut down safely without complicated interventions.
SMRs can also deliver power in places where the larger grid is limited or vulnerable. Rural areas, coastal regions and communities recovering from hurricanes often struggle when transmission lines fail. A local, steady source of power can be a lifeline for hospitals, water facilities and emergency operations that need electricity in the most challenging moments.
Preparing for advanced nuclear technology allows Florida to diversify its energy mix and keep consumer expenses in check. A diverse grid is essential for economic growth. Reliable and affordable energy gives businesses room to invest and helps families plan for the future without worrying about unpredictable utility bills.
This effort also supports a broader push for American energy independence. Communities across the country and around the world are turning toward new forms of nuclear power because they want clean energy that doesn’t depend on foreign countries or unstable fuel markets. Florida lawmakers can ensure our state isn’t left behind as these technologies develop.
Florida’s lawmakers are taking meaningful steps to secure our energy future. Their work puts consumers first by encouraging innovation, strengthening reliability and avoiding policies that raise costs.
Florida has an opportunity to lead this legislative session. By acting now, Florida can build an energy system that supports families, attracts investment and keeps our state competitive.
Skylar Zander is the state director of Americans for Prosperity-Florida. This opinion piece was originally published by the Orlando Sentinel, which is a media partner of The Invading Sea. Banner photo: High-voltage power lines (iStock image).
Sign up for The Invading Sea newsletter by visiting here. To support The Invading Sea, click here to make a donation. If you are interested in submitting an opinion piece to The Invading Sea, email Editor Nathan Crabbe. To learn more about SMRs, watch the short video below.