Florida’s boneheaded decision not to take federal money to reduce vehicle emissions

The DeSantis administration took the gut-wrenching move of abandoning hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds intended to mitigate the effects of climate change. This funding could have improved the safety of our fast-growing state’s roads, mass transit, and highways. It also could have encouraged businesses and other governments to better protect transportation networks and make Florida’s low-lying areas more resilient to flooding and sea level rise. Floridians lost again under a Republican governor who pandered to the far right in his party’s presidential nomination race.

2021 Congress Provided $6.4 billion to states to curb tailpipe emissions Limiting the damage caused by climate change. As Jack Prator and Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times recently reported, Florida is slated to receive $320 million, the third-highest amount of any state. But after making initial plans to raise funds, the Florida Department of Transportation notified federal officials last month of its intention not to participate. in the letter State Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue complained to the U.S. Department of Transportation that the plan was an example of government overreach, “the continued politicization of our nation’s roads,” and that climate change is “the politicization of the weather.” ”, echoed Mr. DeSantis’ statement. ” Florida is currently the only state in isolation. declare that it will Federal officials told the Times to turn down the money.

This decision is disgusting in its ignorance, hypocrisy, and overtly political motives.

The state Department of Transportation envisions using the funds to add parking for truck drivers at rest areas, and officials would be forced to spend long stretches of time on roads while drivers look for a place to stop. He said it could address a statewide shortage that causes pollution.The more time it takes to find the truck driver For parking lots, the more fossil fuels you burn, the more. The plan also considers spending on things like electric buses and roundabouts, which it says would reduce climate-warming emissions from vehicles idling at traffic lights.

Rather than accept federal funds, Perdue said in the letter that Florida will focus on building roads and bridges “rather than reducing carbon emissions.” Is Florida the only state in America that cannot improve its transportation system and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the same time? In fact, the state messaged at the time of release that it can do both. carbon dioxide reduction plan Because they used federal money. And the Florida Department of Transportation has supported mass transit and other car-centric alternatives for decades. So why is Washington suddenly turning to highways for political purposes?

Additionally, federal funds could have been used for a wide range of purposes. wide range of transport projects. Public transport, pedestrian and bicycle paths, electronic toll plazas, energy-efficient street lighting, and even electrical upgrades to port facilities are just some of the transport projects eligible for funding.

Florida is currently the only state in isolation to say it will be After the funding was turned down, mention of the plan was removed from the state’s website. Even in Texas, where Republican governors often try to outdo DeSantis on conservative credentials. Its share is $641 million, local officials told the Times.

“This will result in significant costs for Florida families and businesses in a growing and dynamic state that needs better transportation options,” said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa). Deaf,” he said. He added that Florida “looks stupid” to other lawmakers on Capitol Hill who watch in amazement as the state redirects some of its tax dollars back to Washington.

Florida ranks among the 15 states with the highest diesel emissions, according to the state Department of Transportation. The department also said Florida’s average commute time has increased by 11% over the past 10 years. Ali DySard, Senior Policy Specialist Florida office of The Environmental Defense Fund stated: Transportation accounts for half of the state’s pollution emissions. Denying this funding was a foolish idea that would only increase the risks Florida faces while shifting the enormous costs of adaptation onto Florida families.

Editorials are the organizational voice of the Tampa Bay Times. Members of the editorial board are editorial editors Graham Brink, Shelley Day, Sebastian Dortch, John Hill, and Jim Verhulst, and chairman and CEO Conan Galaty.to follow @TBTimes_Opinion For more opinion news, follow us on Twitter.