Florida bill banning offshore wind passes House, Senate, goes to GOP Gov. DeSantis

The Florida legislature has passed a bill that would ban offshore wind projects and removes references to greenhouse gas emissions in the state’s energy laws.

The bill passed the state Senate on Wednesday on a 28-12 vote and the House on Thursday.

It now heads to GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The bill would ban wind turbines off the coast of Florida and within one mile inside the state’s coastlines. Proponents of the bill said large-scale offshore wind isn’t viable in Florida, and the bill will protect wildlife and ecosystems, while preventing noise, WFTV reported.

The bill would also revise parts of state law to remove references to climate change and greenhouse gasses and replace them with language focused on reliable and affordable energy.

“Our goal is to look out for the future of Florida and say what is cost-efficient, what’s reliable. Renewables are not always reliable and what is the best for security in the state,” said state Rep. Bobby Payne, a Republican and the sponsor of the House bill.