Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Rejects Calls for Gas Stove Ban, Proposes Tax Exemption

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis slammed calls for a ban on gas stoves as an example of abuse of power Thursday, proposing an exemption for the state’s appliance tax.

The Republican governor — and likely the top GOP contender for the presidency if he decides to run in 2024 — has backed the elimination of the state’s sales tax on gas stove purchases as he weighed in on the pressing issue.

“They want to control every aspect of your life,” DeSantis said during a press conference for his proposed Fundamentals of Freedom budget.

“They want to be able to determine what type of energy you are allowed to use, how much energy you are allowed to use.”

“This is all part of a larger scheme. In Florida we say, “Don’t step on us.” We will stand up for people’s freedoms,” DeSantis added.

The use of gas stoves caused a storm last month after Consumer Product Safety Commission chief Richard Trumka Jr. told Bloomberg that the feds were mulling a nationwide ban on appliances. He cited safety concerns related to harmful emissions associated with stoves, which can cause health problems.

Trumka’s comments sparked outrage from critics, who called the possible move a federal intervention. Faced with strong opposition, Trumka dropped the claim and said that any regulations would “only apply to new products”.

According to The Post, Trumka’s words were also echoed by the Home Appliance Manufacturers Association, which noted that gas stoves are “more affordable” and stressed the need to maintain “consumer choice”.

DeSantis detailed his reason for participating in the debate in a video from his budget presentation posted on his Twitter account.

“It’s just a principle, it’s ridiculous. And they want to follow him. They got hit back, so they sort of had to retreat. They want to get into gas stoves, which is why we say we want you to be able to buy them for free in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.