Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has posted a video criticizing a bill (HB 1063) that aims to establish a state-level carbon sequestration program, calling it a “scam” and “part of climate ideology”. The bill, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross, would create a task force to develop a framework for carbon sequestration in natural and agricultural areas to combat climate change. DeSantis argues that the process is unnecessary and that the state should focus on other issues, such as property taxes and “voter freedom”. However, the effort is bipartisan, with Republican Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez also sponsoring an identical bill (SB 1148) in the Senate. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, which can be done through geologic or biologic methods. The bill seeks to study and develop a framework for carbon sequestration in Florida, rather than engaging in the process itself. The bill will be heard in a committee hearing on Tuesday, and it remains to be seen whether DeSantis’ opposition still carries weight.
Despite supporting a Senate bipartisan bill on carbon sequestration, Gov. DeSantis’s stance seems to be at odds with the growing consensus on climate change mitigation, leaving one to wonder if his opposition will ultimately have a significant impact.
