Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has vetoed a $5 million allocation in this year’s budget that was meant to kickstart a program within the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Office of Energy. The program was intended to distribute $354 million allocated to Florida under the Inflation Reduction Act for energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades. This decision by Governor DeSantis means that Florida residents will miss out on the opportunity to benefit from these rebates.
In June, the Governor also vetoed a $5 million federal grant that was designated for setting up the program. This funding would have allowed the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Office of Energy to hire staff to administer the program and work out the details.[0] However, when a concerned citizen contacted the Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Department to inquire about the program, they received an unexpected response.[1] An unsigned email from the FDACS Office of Energy revealed that Governor DeSantis had used his veto power to eliminate nearly $30 million in energy programs, including the $5 million allocation for the rebate program.[1]
This decision by Governor DeSantis has significant consequences for the State of Florida. It means that the state is now missing out on the opportunity to access hundreds of millions of federal dollars that could have been used to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient.[2] The Inflation Reduction Act had allocated a total of $8.8 billion for two rebate programs aimed at providing consumers, particularly middle and low-income individuals, with financial assistance for energy-efficient upgrades.
The first rebate program would have allowed consumers to receive rebates for purchasing energy-efficient appliances such as electric stoves and washing machines. The second program would have provided financial support for home improvements, including the installation of new energy-efficient AC units and improved insulation.[0] These rebates could have provided homeowners with up to $14,000 or more to assist them in making their homes more energy efficient.
It is unfortunate that Governor DeSantis’ veto decision has resulted in Florida forgoing the opportunity to receive millions of dollars in federal funding for energy efficiency programs. This funding could have significantly lowered the cost of making homes more energy efficient, benefiting both homeowners and the environment. By vetoing the $5 million allocation, Governor DeSantis has effectively prevented Florida residents from accessing these valuable rebates.
The importance of energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades cannot be overstated.[3] These measures not only help to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills but also contribute to the overall sustainability of our communities. By investing in energy-efficient appliances and home improvements, homeowners can make a positive impact on the environment and save money in the long run. It is disappointing that Florida residents will not be able to take advantage of these opportunities due to the veto decision.
In conclusion, Governor Ron DeSantis’ veto of the $5 million allocation for the rebate program has left the State of Florida missing out on significant federal funding that could have been used to make homes more energy efficient. The Inflation Reduction Act had allocated $8.8 billion for two rebate programs, providing financial assistance to consumers for energy-efficient upgrades. Unfortunately, Florida residents will not be able to access these rebates due to the veto decision. This is a missed opportunity for homeowners to lower their energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable future.
0. “Florida Misses Out on Energy Efficiency Funds” EnergyPortal.eu, 12 Aug. 2023, https://www.energyportal.eu/news/florida-residents-miss-out-on-350-million-for-energy-efficient-rebates-due-to-governors-veto/150685/
1. “Floridians stung by DeSantis veto that cost $346 million in energy-saving programs” Yahoo News, 16 Aug. 2023, https://news.yahoo.com/floridians-stung-desantis-veto-cost-232800873.html
2. “Florida residents miss out on $350 million for energy-efficient rebates, due to Governor’s veto” ActionNewsJax.com, 11 Aug. 2023, https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/florida/florida-residents-miss-out-350-million-energy-efficient-rebates-due-governors-veto/KFDMT4XABZBJRFLZ22SW35RE54
3. “As DeSantis Turns Down Millions in Federal Clean Energy Funds, Reed Seeks to Claim Them for RI and Other States” Newport Buzz, 15 Aug. 2023, https://www.thenewportbuzz.com/as-desantis-turns-down-millions-in-federal-clean-energy-funds-reed-seeks-to-claim-them-for-ri-and-other-states/43549
