Florida Governor Ron DeSantis just lately killed an EV invoice that may have saved Floridians some huge cash. Whereas it was handy that the transfer got here simply after former president Donald Trump gave a speech that railed on each DeSantis and EVs, Trump might not have been the explanation for the vetoing of the invoice in any respect. The Orlando Sentinel studies that DeSantis’ puzzling veto might have had extra to do with the 2024 Presidential Election.
The invoice, SB 284, was sponsored by Sen. Jason Brodeur ( R-Lake Mary). It might have required state companies and entities like schools and universities to purchase fleet automobiles primarily based on their “lowest lifetime prices” moderately than gas effectivity, as present state legal guidelines require. This is able to have precipitated these companies to favor EVs, which have decrease lifetime upkeep prices. Entities throughout the state would have been required to make their buy suggestions by July 1, 2024. Teams that supported state companies embracing EVs and different gas automobiles welcomed the invoice. However when it crossed DeSantis’ desk, he struck it down, leaving officers scratching their heads.
“It was a typical sense, good governance invoice. There’s nothing on this invoice that any individual in America needs to be in opposition to,” stated former Sen. Jeff Brandes, a Tampa Bay Republican who tried getting comparable laws by way of final yr.
Worse but is the associated fee financial savings that each state companies and tax payers are lacking out on. Various vitality teams and business consultants say that $277 million over 15 years would have been saved had state companies and different entities had switched to EV fleets, with financial savings of “a median of $18,000 per car.” Nevertheless it might be extra to it than simply not wanting EVs. DeSantis is hoping to be the 2024 presidential nominee for the Republican Occasion. And that may require getting on the nice aspect of Iowa voters
Killing the invoice panders to Iowa voters forward of the 2024 presidential caucus. A invoice that favors EVs wouldn’t look too kindly to voters in a state that helps ethanol, a gas Florida fleets extensively use. On the finish of the day although, state reps say his strikes are doing nothing however hurting Florida voters on the costly of his personal agenda, like Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando). “Not a single a part of his agenda that handed helps Floridians. His agenda is tailor-made to the wants of Republican [primary and caucus voters],” Eskamani stated.
