Florida ag department set to repeal renewable energy goals

By Bruce Ritchie | 07/17/2024 04:03 PM EDT

The repeal comes in response to legislation that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a news conference as Agriculture Commissioner  Wilton Simpson  listens,

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis brushed off criticism from Democrats for signing the bill that led to the rule repeal. John Raoux/AP

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on Wednesday said it is repealing a renewable energy rule in response to state legislation.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson’s department without comment published a rule notice shortly after midnight Wednesday, following a June 20 hearing requested by opponents.

Department spokesperson Aaron Keller on Wednesday confirmed that the rule, requiring utilities to produce 100 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2050, is being repealed effective July 28. He did not immediately answer other questions about the repeal.

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Samantha Kaddis, Tallahassee regional lead with the left-leaning CLEO Institute, told POLITICO on Wednesday the group is exploring options for a legal challenge. She also said the rule repeal is short sighted because it will force Floridians to pay more in multiple ways for using fossil fuels.

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