The denial could have significant political and economic ramifications in the coming months. As the president and his cabinet tour the country touting the IRA, kickbacks for energy-efficient purchases (most of the money DeSantis refused) play an especially important role. Not only because it supports government climate change policies, but also because it provides direct rebates to consumers.
The IRA has given governors the power to block a handful of its plans, which also gives them the power to blunt the political impact of a bill that some Democrats believe will be a key factor in the 2024 election. ing.
DeSantis vetoed Congress’ request, refusing a $5 million payment to launch a rebate program for consumers to buy energy-efficient appliances and renovate their homes. The state needs administrative funding to apply for the program, so it has set aside $300 million to fund the program, according to people familiar with the state’s budget process. Another $41 million was effectively blocked. However, Federal Department of Energy regulations allow states to accept a second pot even if they do not receive the first.
The governor also rejected $3 million in IRA funds to help the state fight pollution. rejected the Solar for All program It should have been paid to give low-income people access to solar panels. DeSantis also vetoed a $24 million grant from the federal government. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
So far, DeSantis is the only governor who has indicated an intention to block the energy rebate. But for a little money he has a company.he is one of four reject pollution abatement funds from the IRA. The others are the Republican governors of South Dakota and Iowa and the Democratic governor of Kentucky. All states that have not applied for solar funds are led by Republicans. These include Florida, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Federal and state officials say the Biden administration is looking for ways to circumvent the energy rebate blockade, but so far it’s been fruitless. The IRA was created in a way that required rebates to pass through state energy agencies. Unlike many federal laws, the federal government has no alternative options or ways to circumvent a stubborn governor.
Because of this, the Biden administration hopes Florida will reconsider. And he hopes IRA funding won’t snowball into political litmus test paper for Republican governors, much like Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion and the Obama administration’s high-speed rail funding a decade ago.
So far, the White House has not publicly accused Mr. DeSantis by name for the funding denial, perhaps because it hopes he will change his mind before the deadline expires next August. deaf.
“It’s unfortunate that some officials are prioritizing politics over bringing meaningful progress to hardworking Americans,” said White House spokesman Michael Kikukawa. “Nevertheless, President Biden and his administration are working with Sunshine State cities, counties, businesses, non-profits, and other entities to ensure that Floridians benefit from the cost savings and economic enhancements brought about by his policies. We are working hard to make sure you get the benefits of
There’s reason to think Florida wants the money. The state energy agency requested funding and the state legislature had previously approved it. Mr. DeSantis vetoed the grant for the program.
“It’s clear from government conversations with the Florida Department of Energy that they want the rebate funds,” said the government official, who was granted anonymity to speak freely. “That’s why, after all, the request for access to government funds was in the budget line that Mr. DeSantis vetoed in the first place, because the State Energy Department requested it.”
Administration officials have expressed confidence that Florida residents will eventually be able to take advantage of the rebates, even if they have to wait until after the Republican primary or, at worst, the presidential election.
During the Obama administration, Republican governors used their opposition to high-speed rail funding and Medicaid expansion funds to demonstrate their genuine fiscal conservatism and degree of opposition to Democratic presidents. In this vein, Ian Fury, spokesman for South Dakota Gov. Christy Noem, said, “Wasteful federal spending (many of which was mandated by President Biden) is one of the biggest inflation crises facing our country. I absolutely believe it is the sole cause of the in. “
But Democrats think things are different today than they were a decade ago. DeSantis’ decision could act as a political attack. With another hurricane looming in what could be one of the hottest summers on record, the governor urged Biden to help Florida residents weatherproof their homes, protect them from pollution and help them buy energy-efficient appliances. opposed to Mr.
“He’s pointlessly making the state even more vulnerable,” the congressman said. Darren Soto (Democrat of Florida), he serves on a House committee that works with the White House on enforcement. “Many other Republican-majority states were not so stupid.”
The DeSantis administration did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
Florida Democrats plan to put pressure on Mr. DeSantis to change course. Party Chairman Nikki Freed said many still don’t know about the veto’s impact. Still, she wonders if Mr. DeSantis will change course. “He’s not the one to admit he made a mistake or change his course,” she added.
Soto has called on the government to cooperate with local authorities wherever possible. For example, climate change funds may go to localities rather than states. Three cities in Florida picked it up.
“My main goal is to get funding to Florida, so my advice to the White House is to work with local governments and get around the state in whatever way possible,” he said.
But when it comes to rebate programs, the government has no workaround. The program should help consumers cover some of the costs of projects such as residential insults, heat pump installations and Energy Star appliance upgrades.Government predicts $8.5 billion program planned Consumers can save up to $1 billion in energy costs Support an estimated 50,000 jobs in construction and other sectors.
Half of the funds will be donated to households with incomes below 80 percent of the regional median income. White House climate and energy adviser John Podesta said the denial of the rebate is a disservice to low-income families.
Podesta recently told reporters, “I encourage governors who are interested in serving these communities to receive the funds to implement the program and then make the rebates available.” Told.
Other states are trying to receive funds that Florida has refused. Sen. jack reed (DR.I.) asked the Department of Energy to send Florida funds to Florida and other states. Rhode Island “may utilize additional funding that may not be acceptable to the Governor of Florida for purely partisan reasons,” Reed wrote to the Department of Energy.
In Kentucky, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, who is up for re-election this fall, has applied for “a large number of federal grants,” said John A. Mulla, spokesman for the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. But “local governments are best placed to apply for and manage climate pollution reduction subsidies,” he said.
Florida’s denial of IRA funding is not absolute. The state also accepts large amounts of other funds. $3.75 million to support urban canopies $209,000 to access nature and prevent pollution Donated $78.7 million to several state and local organizations Fund to Protect Against Climate Change — A fund comprised of the IRA and the bipartisan Infrastructure Act.