Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has caused shock and confusion by vetoing a bill aimed at increasing the state’s purchase of electric vehicles for its fleet of state-owned vehicles.[0] The proposed legislation, which had received overwhelming bipartisan support, promised cost savings by considering the total ownership expenses of vehicles over their lifespan, including gas and repairs. Experts estimate that Florida could have saved a staggering $277 million over 15 years if the entire state fleet had transitioned to electric vehicles.
The decision to veto the bill, despite Governor DeSantis’ previous support for electric vehicles, has left many experts puzzled. It may even strain his relationship with Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, who had previously expressed support for DeSantis as a potential presidential candidate in the 2024 election.[0]
The proposed legislation would have allowed the state to acquire electric vehicles for its fleet, taking into account the total ownership costs over the lifetime of the vehicles.[0] This approach, already implemented in Nevada and Virginia, has proven to be successful in reducing costs. However, Governor DeSantis’ veto has prevented Florida from benefiting from these potential savings.
Michael Weiss, Florida state lead at Advanced Energy United, a trade group promoting clean transportation, expressed disappointment in the governor’s decision.[1] He stated that the veto is a baffling decision that will cost Florida taxpayers millions of dollars.[2] The Florida Legislature recognized the economic and taxpayer benefits of a modern and efficient state fleet, but Governor DeSantis failed to support this initiative.[1]
Weiss further explained that the legislation could have saved state and local governments $277 million over 15 years by transitioning to electric vehicles. The bill would have allowed for the selection of vehicles based on their lowest lifetime costs, taking into account factors such as maintenance and fuel expenses. Advanced Energy United and the Electrification Coalition conducted a total cost analysis of the state’s fleet, using vehicle data provided by the Department of Management Services.[2]
The vetoed bill, sponsored by Senator Jason Brodeur, would have required all state and local governments, colleges, and universities to choose vehicles with the lowest lifetime ownership costs.[2] Currently, purchases are based solely on fuel efficiency.[2] Research has shown that electric vehicles, despite their higher upfront costs, have lower maintenance and fuel expenses over time compared to gas-powered cars.[1] They also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to efforts to combat climate change.[1]
Governor DeSantis’ previous support for electric vehicles, as demonstrated by his endorsement of a plan to acquire electric buses and install more charging stations statewide, adds to the confusion surrounding his veto. The decision has left experts and supporters questioning his motives and the potential consequences for Florida’s future.[3]
In conclusion, Governor Ron DeSantis’ surprising veto of the electric vehicle bill has generated uncertainty and confusion. The bill, which had bipartisan support and promised significant cost savings, would have allowed Florida to transition to electric vehicles and reduce expenses over time. The governor’s decision has left experts and supporters bewildered, as it contradicts his previous support for electric vehicles.[0] The consequences of this veto remain to be seen, but it may impact Governor DeSantis’ relationship with clean energy advocates and potential future political aspirations.
0. “Governor DeSantis Surprising Veto of Electric Vehicle Bill Raises Questions” Best Stocks, 3 Jul. 2023, https://beststocks.com/governor-desantis-surprising-veto-of-electric/
1. “‘A baffling decision’: DeSantis vetoes bipartisan bill to buy Florida more electric cars” WGCU, 7 Jul. 2023, https://news.wgcu.org/section/environment/2023-07-07/a-baffling-decision-desantis-vetoes-bipartisan-bill-to-buy-florida-more-electric-cars
2. “DeSantis’ veto of electric cars bill cost taxpayers $277 million, critics say” Yahoo Life, 7 Jul. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/desantis-veto-electric-cars-bill-164700320.html
3. “Governor DeSantis Shocking Veto of Electric Vehicle Bill Raises Questions and Concerns” Best Stocks, 3 Jul. 2023, https://beststocks.com/governor-desantis-shocking-veto-of-electric-v/
