Florida Acts to Stop Municipalities From Setting Energy Options

摘要

Florida lawmakers voted to stop local governments from dictating the types of energy companies must provide, sending two measures to the governor's desk. One bill (H.B. 839) would prevent local governments from requiring gas stations to include electric vehicle charging stations. The other (H.B. 919) would block cities and counties from banning natural gas connections in favor of electric hook-ups. 1.The Florida Senate passed H.B. 839 on Monday 26-12; the House previously approved it 79-38. The Senate also approved H.B. 919 on Monday 27-13; the House passed it 81-34 last week. 2.If signed into law, the bill also would stop municipalities from outlawing gas stations, though they still could enforce zoning or building ordinances. Supporters said it would still allow local governments to pursue renewable energy options without restricting natural gas or other fossil fuels. 3.Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Arizona last year banned local governments from prohibiting utility connections, including natural gas hook-ups. Berkeley, Calif., was the first in a slew of municipalities nationwide over the last two years to ban natural gas infrastructure in new buildings.