DeSantis Signs Law Blocking Local Green Energy Push

0:00Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new law on Wednesday that puts the breaks on local green energy pushes. House Bill, 12-17 block cities and counties from chasing net zero emissions goals or forcing electric vehicle rules. It also stops taxpayer money from going to groups, pushing what he calls extreme climate agendas. The bill got inked right here in Jacksonville on Earth Day of all days. DeSantis called out wasteful spending, like St. Petersburg dropping $300,000 on a sustainability consultant. Supporters say this keeps government out of picking winners and losers in the energy game. Lawmakers like Republican State rep Bernie Jacques, who sponsored it, argue it shields manufacturing jobs from carbon cutback schemes that could kill. Growth On the flip side, environmental folks with the Sierra Club say the timing screens anti-green warning it'll lock us into pricier old school tech down the road. Critics predict higher costs for everyone as innovation stalls, but backers see it as

1:00smart protection for Florida's economy. The measure targets policies hurting key industries without outright banning clean energy. It all kicks in July 1st, so local leaders have a couple months to tweak their plans and see how this shakes out for the sunshine state. Make sure Tampa Bay News to date update, AI powered and always on.