State of Florida Archives: on Energy & Oil


Adam Putnam: Florida positioned to be oil hub for energy independence

The "revolutionary" shift in oil and natural gas production in the last decade domestically has helped Florida. "We have established North American energy independence," Putnam said. "It's a new dynamic." "Northeast Florida is uniquely positioned to take advantage of that renaissance in manufacturing," Putnam said, and "can be that hub of activity for energy development, port and trade business, and energy storage."
Source: FloridaPolitics.com on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race Dec 15, 2016

Andrew Gillum: Climate change is a real; transition to clean energy

Andrew believes that climate change is a real and urgent threat and that politicians, like Governor Rick Scott, who banned the words "climate change," are putting us and future generations of Floridians at risk.

Tallahassee has reduced its carbon emission intensity by 40%, and under Mayor Gillum's leadership, has reduced the carbon footprint of electricity users in the city by 20%. The Mayor has worked to implement and improve programs like free residential and commercial audits, low interest energy loans, and community outreach programs, as well breaking ground on the new 120 acre solar farm that will triple the City's solar energy capacity.

Andrew believes that the best way to address the impacts of climate change is to embrace a plan to transition Florida to clean energy as rapidly as possible. Achieving this goal will put us on a path to a completely clean energy economy, create thousands of new jobs in Florida, and create cleaner air and healthier families.

Source: 2018 Florida Governor campaign website AndrewGillum.com Mar 21, 2018

Andrew Gillum: Transition Florida to clean energy as rapidly as possible

Q: Would you prioritize green energy?

A: Strongly Support--Andrew believes that the best way to address the impacts of climate change is to embrace a plan to transition Florida to clean energy as rapidly as possible. Andrew believes that climate change is a real and urgent threat and that politicians, like Donald Trump, who call it a "hoax," and Governor Rick Scott, who banned the words "climate change" and "global warming," are putting us and future generations of Floridians at risk. These politicians have failed take climate change action, even as Florida has the most property at-risk in the nation. Not only does lack of action threaten the future of the planet, it also ignores an enormous economic opportunity to make the U.S. the world's leader in clean energy and to put people to work at every rung of the income ladder.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Florida Governor candidate Jun 15, 2018

Andrew Gillum: Make Florida world leader in rooftop solar energy production

Question: How would you revise the state's energy policy, including goals for renewable energy?

GILLUM: Rick Scott has been an unmitigated disaster for Florida's environment and energy innovation. Florida is the Sunshine State--that means we should be the world leader in solar energy production. Unfortunately, while our state ranks third among U.S. states for rooftop solar potential, we're only 12th for cumulative installed solar capacity. As Governor, I'll establish a renewable energy portfolio standard that harnesses all of our potential energy sources, including biomass, wind, solar, and other technologies. I'll reinvest in the solar energy rebate program that incentivized residential solar installation and created good, clean energy jobs that can't be outsourced.

Source: Miami Herald on 2018 Florida Gubernatorial race Aug 12, 2018

Andrew Gillum: Withdrawal from Paris Climate accord is reckless

Q: Consider climate change a serious threat?

Ron DeSantis (R): Mixed. "I don't know if it's because of my activity, your activity, but.we've got to deal with it."

Andrew Gillum (D): Climate change is a real & urgent threat. Transition Florida to clean energy. "We're going to put science first & work together to not only save our planet but create clean energy jobs along the way."

Q: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?

DeSantis: No. Voted against any potential carbon tax as negatively impacting economy.

Gillum: Yes. Sees Trump withdrawal from Paris Climate accord as "disturbingly reckless." Join Climate Alliance of states committed to fighting climate change.

Q: Government support for renewable energy?

DeSantis: No. Opposed continued wind energy subsidy, calling it "anti-competitive & economically harmful."

Gillum: Yes. "Transition Florida to clean energy as rapidly as possible." Supported renewables as Tallahassee mayor.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Florida Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Augustus Invictus: Find alternatives to dependence on foreign energy sources

Augustus Invictus realizes that we are far too dependent on foreign energy sources. This dependence is one of the many causes of our horrific foreign policy decisions. Invictus fully supports finding alternative energy sources to solve this problem. Perhaps deregulating the energy sector will provoke a greater innovation in green energy that will end our dependence on foreign, harmful, and frequently unethical energy sources.
Source: LibertyHangout.org on 2016 Florida Senate race May 28, 2016

Betty Castor: We won’t solve this problem with more drilling

Q: How would you propose reducing the country’s dependence on foreign oil?

CASTOR: We won’t solve this problem with more drilling. I oppose drilling off Florida’s coasts, as well as in areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. I support economic incentives for the production of fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly cars, trucks and SUVs. I support extending those incentives for hybrid cars, and oppose tax laws that allow companies to write off purchasing heavy trucks unnecessarily. We need to make a real investment in alternative energy sources, especially here in Florida, solar power.

MARTINEZ: I support Bush’s energy reform bill to increase our efficiency and production. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is a multifaceted problem. We should provide the proper incentives to increase oil refining capacity and make energy production more efficient and safe. Further, we need to allow exploration in areas that support drilling. Finally, I strongly oppose drilling off the coast of Florida.

Source: Florida Senate Debate, Q&A by Associated Press Oct 24, 2004

Brian Mast: Climate change regulations threaten economic growth

We must fight for working families by expanding opportunities and creating an economic environment that allows for job growth. The last seven years have been a disaster for the average American family.

The most important thing Washington can do to promote job and economic growth is remove barriers facing the private sector. Today, the tax code is anti-jobs, anti-growth, anti-small business, pro-special interest, pro-lobbyist. Congress should pass tax reform that lowers rates, inspires economic growth, and ends nearly all loopholes and deductions.

In addition, the explosive growth of government regulations is threatening economic growth and job creation as much, or more, than taxes are. ObamaCare, Dodd-Frank, climate change, and labor market regulations all weigh down the economy. Rolling back excessive, job-killing regulations -- and preventing new ones -- will be one of my top priorities in Congress.

Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website MastForCongress.com Nov 8, 2016

Brian Mast: Regulate fracking; acknowledge climate change

Q: Do you support increased regulations on the hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") industry?

A: Yes Q: Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?

A: Yes

Source: Vote-Smart 2016 Florida Political Courage Test Nov 8, 2016

Brian Moore: Prioritize green energy

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?

A: Fund climate change improvements statewide, not just for the coastal areas; and invest a large among of monies into reducing gas and fossil fuel emissions, facilitate climate change, and related activities ÿ

Source: OnTheIssues.org interview on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race Apr 14, 2022

Carlos Lopez-Cantera: Repeal Florida's cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases

Summary from Florida legislative records:

Status:Bill passed House, 82-34-3; passed Senate, 31-5-4; approved by Governor, March 8,2012. (Carlos Lopez-Cantera voted YEA).

Source: Florida legislative voting records: HB 4001 Mar 1, 2012

Charlie Crist: $200M package for solar, wind, & biofuel from citrus

What Florida has done for biotech, it can also do for clean tech. That’s why I’m recommending a $200 million economic development package for solar, wind and other renewable energy, and to promote biofuels in Florida and encourage alternative fuels such as ethanol. We have the opportunity to enhance the use of this cleaner fuel, while also providing a broader market for sugar cane and citrus waste. [We have] explored non-food sources of ethanol production in Farm to Fuel efforts.
Source: 2008 State of the State Address to Florida legislature Mar 4, 2008

Charlie Crist: Open to cap-and-trade plan for carbon emissions

Crist's reputation as a moderate flows in part from his willingness to break from his party on offshore drilling (which he opposed, until 2008) and his openness to notions like a "cap and trade" plan for the carbon emissions that contribute to global warming.
Source: New York Times on 2010 Florida Senate debate Jan 10, 2010

Charlie Crist: I'm not a scientists, but I can use my brain & talk to one

Charlie Crist knows how to work a storyline. The Democratic gubernatorial candidate, who as a Republican governor in 2007 said global warming was "one of the most important issues that we will face this is century," was handed an opportunity to highlight a difference between himself and Gov. Rick Scott when Scott said, "I'm not a scientist," in response to a question about climate change. Friday, Crist met with one of the scientists who has offered to meet with Scott and discuss the issue.

"I'm not a scientist either but I can use my brain and I can talk to one," said Crist, arriving for a 25-minute presentation by Professor Jeff Chanton of the Florida State University Earth and Atmospheric Science Department. A consequence of global warming is rising sea levels. Billions of dollars of Florida real estate and roads are at risk as the sea moves inland. [Prof. Chanton estimates 17 inches sea level rise].

Source: SaintPetersBlog weblog on 2014 Florida gubernatorial race Jul 26, 2014

Darren Soto: Dramatically reduce our carbon emissions

Here in Florida, we have a lot to lose from climate change. In fact, Florida has more private property at risk from climate change than any other state. If we don't do something to turn the tide, rising sea levels and intensified hurricanes will continue to threaten our economy and our well-being.

We've got to listen to the scientists: Climate change is real and it is caused by human activity. We need to take action now to turn the tide on climate change. That starts with dramatically reducing our carbon emissions and transitioning to a clean energy future--and that's what I'll fight for in Congress.

Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website DarrenSoto.com Nov 8, 2016

David Jolly: I support offshore drilling, but not off Florida's coasts

David Jolly said, "I have never lobbied for offshore oil drilling," refuting an audience member question. Jolly's lobbyist past is a major target for his opponents. So has Jolly lobbied for expanded oil exploration?

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee declared, "In 2011 Jolly lobbied on behalf of Free Enterprise Nation," which supported the Roadmap for America's Energy Future, introduced as H.R.909 by Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) on March 3, 2011. The Roadmap "would open the Outer Continental Shelf to offshore drilling." Offshore drilling is not allowed off Florida shores, for the most part [despite H.R.909]. Jolly himself wrote an April 2011 Free Enterprise Nation blog post in favor of the Nunes bill.

Jolly responded to the DCCC's attack by saying the "comprehensive energy independence blueprint could have possibly expanded drilling in the Gulf, but I did not lobby on its behalf." He added he did support offshore drilling outside the 230-mile moratorium area.

Source: PolitiFact.com fact-check on 2016 Florida Senate race Jan 10, 2016

Edward Janowski: Strong supporter of green energy

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?

A: I am a strong supporter of green energy and would like to see much more done in this area. However, green energy isn't cost effective as of yet and is still in various stages of development. Some aspects of green technology are not even close to being environmentally friendly. This would need to change. The petroleum industry needs to put more effort into cleaning up its impact from start to finish and prepare itself for its eventual finish. The coal industry can be a major contributor to this, but we need some support for research and development. Yet it also needs to put more effort into cleaning up its environmental impact and prepare for its eventual end as well.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Florida Senate candidate Mar 30, 2018

Greg Steube: Repeal Florida's cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases

Summary from Florida legislative records:

Status:Bill passed House, 82-34-3; passed Senate, 31-5-4; approved by Governor, March 8,˜2012. (Greg Steube voted YEA).

Source: Florida legislative voting records: HB 4001 Mar 1, 2012

Jeb Bush: Eliminate automobile emissions testing

Source: Approval notification on Florida Voting Record SB 772 Jun 14, 2000

Jeff Greene: Ban offshore oil drilling

There is little daylight between the two Democrats on major issues. They agreed on repealing President George W. Bush's tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, banning offshore oil drilling and maintaining the current retirement age for Social Security. Both were equally vague about how they would make Social Security solvent. The main point of contention between Meek and Greene boils down to which one is dirtier.
Source: 2010 Florida Democratic Primary Debate, in Miami Herald Aug 10, 2010

John McCain: In favor of cap-and-trade

I am in favor of cap-and-trade. Lieberman and I have proposed, and we did the same thing with acid rain. They're doing it in Europe now, although not very well. You can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions; you earn a credit. Somebody else is going to increase theirs; you can sell it to them. Meanwhile we have a gradual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. We need a global agreement, but it has to include India and China. We need to go back to nuclear power. We cannot be dependent on $400 billion a year paying for foreign oil. There's a nexus here. But climate change is real. It can affect states like Florida dramatically because it has to do with violent weather changes. But I am confident American technology and the embrace of green technologies can reduce these greenhouse gas emissions. Suppose that we are wrong & there's no such thing as climate change and we hand our kids a cleaner world. But suppose we are right & do nothing. That's a challenge for America. We can meet it.
Source: 2008 GOP debate in Boca Raton Florida Jan 24, 2008

Marco Rubio: Tax incentives for energy-efficient appliances

Source: 100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future by Marco Rubio Nov 1, 2006

Mel Martinez: Allow exploration in areas that support drilling

Q: How would you propose reducing the country's dependence on foreign oil?

CASTOR: We won't solve this problem with more drilling. I oppose drilling off Florida's coasts, as well as in areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. I support economic incentives for the production of fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly cars, trucks and SUVs. I support extending those incentives for hybrid cars, and oppose tax laws that allow companies to write off purchasing heavy trucks unnecessarily. We need to make a real investment in alternative energy sources, especially here in Florida, solar power.

MARTINEZ: I support Bush's energy reform bill to increase our efficiency and production. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is a multifaceted problem. We should provide the proper incentives to increase oil refining capacity and make energy production more efficient and safe. Further, we need to allow exploration in areas that support drilling. Finally, I strongly oppose drilling off the coast of Florida.

Source: Florida Senate Debate, Q&A by Associated Press Oct 24, 2004

Nikki Fried: Middle of the road policies got C-minus from Sierra Club

Her middle of the road policies have disappointed some environment and energy activists. The Sierra Club in March gave her a C-minus grade after two years in office. Fried had an opportunity to be "bold as opposed to being cautious and achieving nothing really in terms of the environment," said Deborah Foote, the Sierra Club's acting Florida chapter director. "When you're the only one you can try and show the true colors of what's going on," Foote said. "I think she's done the opposite."
Source: Politico.com on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race Jun 2, 2021

Nikki Fried: Proposed a state-federal partnership on carbon farming

The commissioner has painted herself as a major environmental advocate. Spokesperson Franco Ripple told Politico that Fried "has unquestionably been the strongest environmental champion on the Florida Cabinet in the past decade." Fried recently proposed a state-federal partnership with the Biden Administration supporting carbon farming practices. Ripple said it was "applauded by members of Congress and progressive national think tanks."
Source: WPTV Palm Beach NBC-5 on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race Jul 2, 2021

Philip Levine: $24M project to mitigate sea-rise in Miami Beach

Philip Levine is basing his run for governor on his climate change record--which is complicated.

"As Levine crisscrosses the state promoting his radical sea-rise agenda on Miami Beach, his signature accomplishment is springing leaks back home. Amid questions about planning under Levine's tenure, angst about the city's climate change efforts effectively torpedoed the next steps of the former mayor's agenda. Because of fierce opposition to a $24 million project that includes raising roads, a divided city commission punted on nearly $90 million of roadway and stormwater improvements in a residential swath of the city."

Source: Tampa Bay Times on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race Aug 22, 2018

Philip Levine: Against offshore drilling; invest instead in solar energy

It's a clear fact: Floridians do not want offshore drilling. Fossil fuels are the old way and we must be ready to adapt so we can succeed in the future. Philip believes our energy future lies in renewable energy and that there is a reason we are called the "Sunshine State." He will encourage the growth of sustainability by investing heavily in solar and other sources of renewable energy. Philip will also make sure we hold polluters accountable.
Source: 2018 Florida Governor campaign website PhilipLevine2018.com Oct 9, 2018

Philip Levine: Effectively tackled challenges of climate change in Miami

Philip is running for Governor and is ready to tackle climate change and sea level rise on the first day in office, the same way he did as Mayor of Miami Beach. As Mayor of Miami Beach, Philip worked with community stakeholders on an unprecedented solution to keep his city from going underwater by investing in seawater pumps, raising roads, improving building codes, and installing seawalls. It worked, and Miami Beach has become a model for cities around the world confronting climate change.
Source: 2018 Florida Governor campaign website PhilipLevine2018.com Oct 9, 2018

Rick Scott: I'm not a scientist, so I have no proposal on climate change

Scott said, "I'm not a scientist," in response to a question about climate change. [In response] Charlie Crist said, "I'm not a scientist either but I can use my brain and I can talk to one," arriving for a 25-minute presentation by Professor Jeff Chanton of the Florida State University Earth and Atmospheric Science Department. [Prof. Chanton estimates 17 inches sea level rise].

Scott's campaign on didn't directly answer questions about whether the governor believes climate change exists and whether humans are causing or contributing to it. "Charlie Crist may have perfected the art of publicity stunts, but his record on the environment is one of empty promises," the Scott campaign communication director said. "While Rick Scott has kept his commitments to restoring the Everglades, safeguarding our springs and protecting the Florida Keys, Charlie Crist was more committed to advancing his own political career."

Source: SaintPetersBlog weblog on 2014 Florida gubernatorial race Jul 26, 2014

Rick Scott: Repeal Florida's cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases

Summary from Florida legislative records:

Status:Bill passed House, 82-34-3; passed Senate, 31-5-4; approved by Governor, March 8,2012.

Source: Florida legislative voting records: HB 4001 Apr 6, 2012

Ron DeSantis: No delay on Keystone pipeline for security & safety study

Ballotpedia.org analysis of Congressional voting record on energy issues: Keystone Pipeline Amendment: DeSantis voted NAY on House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.
Source: Ballotpedia.org coverage of 2016 Florida Senate race May 22, 2013

Ron DeSantis: No carbon tax; no wind energy subsidy

Q: Consider climate change a serious threat?

Ron DeSantis (R): Mixed. "I don't know if it's because of my activity, your activity, but.we've got to deal with it." Opposed resolution saying greenhouse gases contributed to climate change.

Andrew Gillum (D): Climate change is a real & urgent threat. Transition Florida to clean energy.

Q: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?

DeSantis: No. Voted against any potential carbon tax as negatively impacting economy, voted against greenhouse gas emission standards, & to cut EPA funding.

Gillum: Yes. Sees Trump withdrawal from Paris Climate accord as "disturbingly reckless."

Q: Government support for renewable energy?

DeSantis: No. Opposed continued wind energy subsidy, calling it "anti-competitive & economically harmful."

Gillum: Yes. "Transition Florida to clean energy as rapidly as possible."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Florida Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Rudy Giuliani: Support the technologies that improve alternative energy use

The very best way to reduce carbon emission is to support the technologies that are alternatives that can save the environment, and to get us to the point where those technologies can actually take over. We haven't licensed a nuclear power plant in 30 years. We need to expand the use of hybrid vehicles. We need to expand the use of clean coal. Carbon sequestration is expensive, but it's a process that works. We have more coal reserves in the US than they have oil reserves in Saudi Arabia. I prefer incentives for these new industries. Same thing is true with biofuels. We should expand biofuels, the way Brazil has done. We should expand wind, solar, hydroelectric. We should expand natural gas, liquid natural gas. We should have a project like puttin the man on a moon, the way we did back in the ‘50s and ‘60s. It should be a major national project, to be energy independent. That's a matter of national security. It's also the best way, the very best way, to protect against global warming.
Source: 2008 GOP debate in Boca Raton Florida Jan 24, 2008

Ted Yoho: Department of Energy needs to be eliminated

Q: Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?

A: Yes. I believe that America should already be energy independent and setting the example on how to address energy issues. Unfortunately this is not the case. We should be utilizing those responsibly while letting the free market develop new energy technologies. The Department of Energy needs to be eliminated and all uranium enrichment and nuclear technology needs to be transferred to the Dept. of Defense.

Source: Florida Congressional Election 2012 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2012

Marco Rubio: Produce more American oil and not buy Russian oil

This notion that banning Russian oil would raise prices on American consumers is an admission that Vladimir Putin, has leverage over us. Why would we want that leverage to continue? Why would we have someone like him to have the power to raise gas prices on Americans which is basically if he cuts us off, what would happen in the reverse? I think we have enough that we should produce more American oil and buy less Russian oil or none -- actually, none at all.
Source: ABC This Week on 2022 Florida Senate race Mar 6, 2022

  • The above quotations are from State of Florida Politicians: Archives.
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2016 Presidential contenders on Energy & Oil:
  Republicans:
Gov.Jeb Bush(FL)
Dr.Ben Carson(MD)
Gov.Chris Christie(NJ)
Sen.Ted Cruz(TX)
Carly Fiorina(CA)
Gov.Jim Gilmore(VA)
Sen.Lindsey Graham(SC)
Gov.Mike Huckabee(AR)
Gov.Bobby Jindal(LA)
Gov.John Kasich(OH)
Gov.Sarah Palin(AK)
Gov.George Pataki(NY)
Sen.Rand Paul(KY)
Gov.Rick Perry(TX)
Sen.Rob Portman(OH)
Sen.Marco Rubio(FL)
Sen.Rick Santorum(PA)
Donald Trump(NY)
Gov.Scott Walker(WI)
Democrats:
Gov.Lincoln Chafee(RI)
Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY)
V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
Gov.Martin O`Malley(MD)
Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)
Sen.Jim Webb(VA)

2016 Third Party Candidates:
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Roseanne Barr(PF-HI)
Robert Steele(L-NY)
Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA)
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