By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix
A bill that would prevent local governments in Florida from using net-zero policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions — the primary driver of climate change — passed Thursday in the Florida House.
It’s the latest move by Florida Republicans to discourage polices that aim to combat climate change. However, its chances of becoming law appear remote, as its Senate companion has advanced through just one of its three assigned committees with the session due to end a week from Friday.
The bill (HB 1217) says government entities may not enact, enforce, or require any person or legal entity to enact or enforce any net zero policy by resolution, ordinance, rule, code, or policy. It would also ban local governments from expending any funds (including taxes, fees, or assessments) that support, implement, or advance net zero policies.
The measure comes nearly two years after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation declaring the state would no longer be required to consider climate change when crafting energy policy. Climate change policies were also relatively absent at the state level during Gov. Rick Scott’s time in office (2011-2019), prompting at least 14 local governments in Florida to act on their own and pass resolutions committing to a 100% clean, renewable energy portfolio in the future.
“It’s often said that you can lead, you can follow, or you can get out of the way,” said Rep. Lindsay Cross, D-St. Petersburg, who opposed the bill. “Our country is not leading and our state is not leading. The least we can do is get out of the way and let our locals lead. We can do better.”
In St. Petersburg, the city has incorporated net zero policies such as an Integrated Sustainability Action Plan which local officials say saves on fuel costs and electric use.
“Local governments are on the front lines of our climate crisis,” Cross added. “We’ve seen the damaging impacts of hurricanes. Those who are struggling to provide adequate fresh water for residents and businesses are investing tens of millions of dollars to protect neighborhoods and commercial districts that repeatedly flood, and waterfront owners who live with encroaching sea levels. These communities should not face repercussions from heavy handed policies. Instead they should be empowered.”
The bill was co-sponsored by Republican Rep. Berny Jacques of Pinellas County and Rep. John Snyder of Stuart. Snyder disputed the notion that Republicans don’t support alternative energy sources like solar power, insisting the state requires “diversified sources” to provide energy for the state’s 23 million residents.
“We’re not going to walk into this false trap of over-reliance on technology that is not more reliable when Floridians need it most,” he said.
Approximately 73% of Florida’s electricity generation comes from natural gas power plants, 11% comes from nuclear power plants, 7% from renewable sources, and 5% from coal, according to the Public Service Commission.
The measure’s companion in the Senate (SB 1628) is sponsored by Bryan Avila, R- Hialeah. It passed only one of its three assigned committees in that chamber.
Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com. Banner photo: Smoke is emitted from a power plant in Florida (iStock image).
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