Florida Governor Rejects Climate Bill Incentives Amid Presidential Campaign
Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has opted out of nearly $350 million designated for the state under President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a climate spending bill. The IRA includes provisions for consumer rebates to promote energy-efficient appliances and aid low-income individuals in purchasing solar panels.
However, DeSantis and the Florida legislature have declined $3 million allocated for pollution cleanup, $5 million for the appliance rebate program, and a substantial $341 million to fund the program itself.
DeSantis has also turned down $24 million in grants assigned to the state through the bipartisan infrastructure law. This stance makes him the first governor to signal his refusal of the rebate funds.
While Biden administration officials are hopeful that DeSantis might reconsider, concerns are raised about the rejection of IRA funds becoming a symbol of fiscal conservatism, akin to the Medicaid expansion during Obamacare.
While DeSantis is the pioneer in declining the rebate funds, three other governors have similarly rejected smaller portions of the IRA’s funding designated for pollution cleanup. These governors include Republican Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Republican Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and Democratic Andy Beshear of Kentucky.
As DeSantis participates in the 2024 presidential race, he is trailing significantly behind former President Donald Trump in the Republican nomination race. In head-to-head matchups against Biden, DeSantis is running nearly neck-and-neck with Trump, according to polling by Fox News and Yahoo News.
Although DeSantis has not entirely dismissed all the funds allocated by the IRA, he has accepted approximately $82 million from both IRA and bipartisan infrastructure law funds. Some Florida Democrats, including Representative Daren Soto, are determined to secure the allocated funds for localities and municipalities, emphasizing collaboration with the White House to ensure effective distribution.
The White House has not provided an immediate response to requests for comments.
Related FAQs
Why did Governor DeSantis decline the funds from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)?
DeSantis and the Florida legislature chose to reject specific funds allocated by the IRA, which were intended for pollution cleanup and energy-efficient appliance rebates.
What is the primary goal of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)?
The IRA, President Biden’s climate spending bill, aims to promote energy efficiency through consumer rebates and facilitate the adoption of solar panels among low-income individuals.
Who are the other governors who have rejected funding from the IRA?
Governors Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Kristi Noem of South Dakota (both Republicans), and Andy Beshear of Kentucky (a Democrat) have also declined certain portions of the IRA’s funding.
How is Governor DeSantis performing in the 2024 presidential race?
DeSantis is trailing former President Donald Trump in the Republican nomination race and is running closely with Trump in potential matchups against President Biden.
What is the stance of Florida Democrats regarding the IRA funds?
Florida Democrats, including Representative Daren Soto, are focused on ensuring that the funds allocated by the IRA benefit localities and municipalities, and they encourage collaboration with the White House for effective distribution.
