Florida moves to ban references to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
In Florida, FlagerLive.com reported that Florida lawmakers are moving toward approving an overhaul of state energy laws, including eliminating references to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and imposing a ban on offshore wind-energy generation. According to the report, the Senate Agriculture, Environment and General Government Appropriations Committee recently approved a revised bill (SB 1624) that sponsor Jay Collins, R-Tampa, said is now in line with a measure (HB 1645) ready to go to the full House. The bills address numerous issues, ranging from natural gas pipelines to calling for a study of using “advanced” nuclear power technologies, the report added. Collins said bill supporters are trying to “maintain our stability in the grid” and balance costs to taxpayers. The report added that part of current state law says: “The Legislature finds that the state’s energy security can be increased by lessening dependence on foreign oil; that the impacts of global climate change can be reduced through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and that the implementation of alternative energy technologies can be a source of new jobs and employment opportunities for many Floridians.” Under the bills, that section of law would be deleted, and partly replaced by sentences that say: “The purpose of the state’s energy policy is to ensure an adequate, reliable, and cost-effective supply of energy for the state in a manner that promotes the health and welfare of the public and economic growth. The Legislature intends that governance of the state’s energy policy be efficiently directed toward achieving this purpose.” Florida does not rely on wind-generated power. But the bills would ban building or operating offshore wind turbines in Florida-controlled waters and on property within one mile of coastlines, the report added.
