Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils Bold Energy Vision, Rejects Climate Change Concerns

 


Midland, Texas - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential contender, laid out a sweeping vision for America's energy sector on Wednesday, asserting his commitment to dismantling President Joe Biden's climate change initiatives. DeSantis dismissed escalating climate-related threats as "fear tactics," emphasizing that Americans are now "safer than ever from climate disasters."

Speaking in Midland, Texas, DeSantis accused Democrats and President Biden of pushing an "ideological agenda," particularly in their approach to global warming and climate change.

While acknowledging the challenges posed by climate disasters, including recent instances of flooding and wildfires, DeSantis called for a more "realistic" federal response to such threats. This statement comes amidst a backdrop of intensifying natural disasters worldwide, from devastating wildfires in Canada to historic deadly flooding in Libya. As governor of Florida, a state particularly susceptible to climate change impacts, DeSantis has implemented measures to fortify the coastline against rising sea levels. However, his recent remarks mark a significant departure from the prevailing scientific consensus on man-made global warming.

DeSantis, flanked by two oil rigs in West Texas, outlined his ambitious energy proposal. He pledged to withdraw the United States from global climate change agreements and abandon commitments to achieve net-zero greenhouse emissions. Furthermore, he advocated for the expansion of pipelines and the extraction of oil, gas, coal, uranium, and other minerals on federal lands.

A cornerstone of DeSantis' energy plan is a promise to lower gas prices to $2 per gallon by 2025. This goal, though ambitious, would face challenges from the complex international factors that typically influence oil prices. Average gas prices have consistently exceeded $2 per gallon since President George W. Bush's second term, with occasional brief dips under Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Gas prices have experienced fluctuations during Biden's presidency, at times reaching record highs and contributing to inflation concerns.

To address gas prices, Biden has tapped into the strategic petroleum reserves, which currently hold 350.6 million barrels of oil, a decrease of nearly 300 million barrels since he took office. DeSantis' plan proposes replenishing the reserves and reserving their use for emergencies.

Midland, located in the heart of the Permian Basin, is deeply intertwined with its oil- and natural gas-rich economy, reflected in its motto, "Feel the Energy!" Following the event, DeSantis is scheduled to attend fundraisers in Midland, Houston, and Dallas.

DeSantis' plan includes measures to roll back subsidies for electric vehicles and support Americans' freedom to choose their preferred mode of transportation. This stands in contrast to the Biden administration's proposal for stricter car pollution rules, which could lead to electric vehicles comprising two-thirds of new car sales by 2032.

DeSantis asserted his intention to eliminate the Department of Energy, withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, and cancel the Global Methane Pledge. Additionally, he plans to federalize his priority in Florida by prohibiting government pension funds from factoring in environmental, social, and governance considerations in investment decisions.