Florida bill slashes ‘climate change’ priorities, directs state to look into nuclear and hydrogen

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A proposal making its way through the Florida Legislature would rescind state law’s references and commitment to addressing “climate change” in its energy policies.

The legislation aims to “streamline” Florida’s energy directives and revise its intent toward “adequate, reliable, and cost-effective supply of energy” while keeping in mind the “health and welfare” of Floridians.

Notably, it rescinded a prior phrase directing the state to address “the potential of global climate change” in its energy directives.

Aside from nixing prior environmental programs and regulations, the legislation includes a novel initiative toward nuclear power, requiring the Florida Public Service Commission to look into using “advanced nuclear power technologies.”

The bill strikes out several other references to the phrase “climate change” in current state law, a topic last addressed in the state’s energy policy by the legislature in 2008.

HB 1645 is brought by Rep. Bobby Payne, R-Palatka, and its companion, SB 1624, is brought by Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa.

The proposal additionally revises Florida’s energy goals towards primarily security, reliability, cost efficiency and availability, while being cognizant of conserving natural resources and waterways.

On top of looking into nuclear power, the bill requires the Florida Department of Transportation to look into hydrogen fueling infrastructure, such as fueling stations, for vehicles that run off hydrogen.

As of 2023, there were only a couple tens of thousands of hydrogen-powered cars on U.S. roads, a newer technology in the race for more fuel-efficient cars.

One aim of the proposal is to help make it more affordable for utilities that use natural gas to relocate their facilities through a petition to the Florida Public Service Commission, if those relocations are required under either the state or local government.

In terms of striking commitments to the “green” agenda commonly criticized by Republicans, the bill would nix a current state requirement for agencies to contract only with “Green Lodging”-designated hotels and conference locations.

Agencies would additionally no longer have to utilize vehicles for official state business based on the greatest fuel efficiency.

It repeals various other environmental programs, such as the Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies Grant Program, the Florida Green Government Grants Act, Energy Economic Zone Pilot Program, and the Qualified Energy Conservation Bond Allocation.

Those programs, in their own respective functions, focused on “green” energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, among other provisions.

One other proposed change eliminates the ability for homeowners’ associations and community development districts to crack down on certain kinds of fuel used to deliver power by entities such as electric utilities, rural electric cooperatives or natural gas transmission companies.

As of Feb. 12, both bills have been working their way through House and Senate committees, not yet ready for a final vote by either chamber.

If fully approved and signed by the governor, it would take effect July 1.