DeSantis Unveils Energy Agenda, Vows to Withdraw US from Global Climate Change Pacts
MIDLAND, Texas – On Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled his ambitious vision for America’s energy sector, placing a strong emphasis on dismantling President Joe Biden’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change. Standing between two oil rigs in West Texas, DeSantis outlined his plan, which includes withdrawing the United States from global climate change pacts and ending commitments to reduce net greenhouse emissions to zero. His proposal also supports the expansion of pipelines and the extraction of oil, gas, coal, uranium, and other minerals on federal lands.
DeSantis, a Republican hopeful for the 2024 presidential election, vowed to restore the nation’s freedom to fuel and ensure that the United States becomes the dominant energy producer worldwide. He expressed his determination to eliminate reliance on hostile nations for energy needs. In his plan, DeSantis intends to replace “climate change ideology” with “energy dominance” in national security and foreign policy guidance. Additionally, he aims to revitalize the nuclear energy industry.
One of DeSantis’ key promises is to lower gas prices to $2 per gallon by 2025. However, achieving this goal may be influenced by the complex international factors that typically impact oil prices. Historically, gas prices have consistently remained above $2 during President George W. Bush’s second term, with brief periods below that threshold under Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
DeSantis chose Midland, located in the heart of the oil- and natural gas-rich Permian Basin, as the backdrop for unveiling his energy policy proposal. The city’s motto, “Feel the Energy!” reflects its deep integration with the oil and gas industry. Following the event, DeSantis embarked on a series of fundraisers in Midland, Houston, and Dallas.
Under President Biden, gas prices have experienced fluctuations, occasionally reaching record highs and contributing to concerning inflation. To alleviate the situation, Biden tapped into the country’s strategic petroleum reserves. As of the week ending September 8, the reserves held 350.6 million barrels of oil, a significant reduction of nearly 300 million barrels since Biden took office. DeSantis plans to refill the reserves and restrict future use to emergency situations.
Furthermore, DeSantis intends to roll back subsidies for electric vehicles and support Americans’ right to choose the cars they want to drive. The Biden administration proposed new car pollution rules earlier this year, aiming to reach a target where electric vehicles account for two-thirds of new car sales by 2032. Biden’s efforts toward electric vehicles have been primarily facilitated through the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes a $370 billion clean energy and climate package, the largest climate investment in US history.
DeSantis aims to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement, a move initiated under Trump but reversed by Biden on his inauguration day. He also plans to abandon the Global Methane Pledge, an agreement between the Biden administration and the European Union to reduce methane emissions. Additionally, DeSantis would federalize his priority of banning government pension funds from considering environmental, social, and governance factors when making investment decisions.
While DeSantis has advocated for increased fossil fuel production nationwide during his campaign, he has taken measures to protect Florida’s environment as the state’s governor. In 2019, he signed an executive order opposing offshore oil and gas activities and hydraulic fracturing in Florida. DeSantis has also acquired wetlands in the Everglades to safeguard them from oil drilling.
DeSantis faced questions about his energy record during his visits to Iowa, the first state in the Republican caucus. Specifically, his past opposition to ethanol subsidies drew attention. As a congressman in 2017, DeSantis co-sponsored a bill to eliminate the federal renewable fuel standard, which requires blending biofuels, primarily corn-based ethanol, into transportation fuel. Iowa is the leading producer of corn, with over half of its production used for ethanol fuel. DeSantis recently expressed support for ethanol, promising to include it in his energy policy to support American jobs.
In summary, Governor Ron DeSantis has outlined an energy plan that seeks to challenge President Biden’s climate change initiatives. DeSantis aims to prioritize energy dominance, withdraw from international climate change agreements, expand fossil fuel production, and lower gas prices. However, the realization of his goals will face complexities influenced by global dynamics and international oil prices.
