Florida challenges Biden administration rule requiring states reduce CO2 emissions

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration for implementing a rule that requires states to limit their on-road CO2 emissions by setting reduction targets.

“As if Biden’s unfounded and reckless energy policies haven’t devastated our economy enough, this new, foolhardy edict from the U.S. Department of Transportation will create even more financial hardships for our state and Floridians,” Moody said in a press release. “We’re taking action today to ensure that this misguided new-emissions rule does not stand.”

Moody’s office explained that the rule “forces” states to spend an “inordinate amount of time, resources and money” in order to track their CO2 reduction target without any clear guidance on the “arbitrary” goals.

The office added that the filed lawsuit argues how the federal government is not able to constitutionally compel states to enact or administer a federal regulatory program. It ultimately makes the case that the measure “violates the principles of federalism” by overreaching the national government’s powers.

“Florida will not sit idly by while the Biden Administration tries to force the Green New Deal into existence through the U.S. Department of Transportation. Florida will always fight for freedom and against the federal government’s unlawful efforts to control the American people,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in the press release.

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue expressed his continued concerns about the federal governments rule and how it is designed to push a green energy agenda.

“Operating in this manner is irresponsible and reckless, which is why Florida proudly stands united with these other states to safeguard the freedoms that this nation is so well known for,” Perdue said.

The Biden administration highlighted the new rule by explaining the “national framework” they have laid out in order to track greenhouse gas emission, while also allowing for states to be flexible in setting their own targets for reduction.

“Every state has its own unique climate challenges, and every state ought to have the data, funding, and flexibility it needs to meet those challenges head on,” said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

“This new performance measure will provide states with a clear and consistent framework to track carbon pollution and the flexibility to set their own climate targets—which we will also help them meet with more than $27 billion in federal funding through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” he added.