Gov. DeSantis signs off on $346M federal energy efficiency fund
TL/DR –
Governor Ron DeSantis approved $346 million in federal energy efficiency improvement funding as part of Florida’s $116.5 billion 2024-25 fiscal year budget. The funds, obtained from the Rewiring America program under President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and the Investment in Jobs Act, will help Floridians boost their homes’ energy efficiency through rebates on purchases and installation of energy-efficient appliances. Observers say this investment will not only provide relief to households, but also create a more resilient energy infrastructure for Florida’s future and potentially boost job creation in the state.
Federal Funding for Energy-Efficiency Improvements in Florida
“Energy-efficiency improvements are the most effective way to help Floridians lower their utility bills, and these funds will dramatically help thousands of residents burdened by rising utility bills.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis has approved $346 million in federal energy efficiency improvement funding as part of Florida’s $116.5 billion budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This will provide significant savings for Floridians.
The state was set to receive funding from the federal government through President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and the Investment in Jobs Act. However, DeSantis had vetoed $30 million in energy programs previously, making the state initially ineligible for the funding.
The newly approved funding will enable residents to enhance energy efficiency in their homes through rebates for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient appliances.
“We are delighted that Governor DeSantis has allocated $346 million for Home Energy Rebate programs in Florida, including those targeting low- and moderate-income households.” said Aimee Skrzekut, President of Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. “This investment will provide immediate relief to households across the state and create a more resilient energy infrastructure for Florida’s future.”
The funding also includes weatherization programs that help residents save further on energy costs by keeping Florida’s hot air out of their homes.
Zachary Colletti, Executive Director for Conservatives for Clean Energy-Florida, praised the investment, saying, “This will directly help countless Floridians lower their electricity bills. We applaud Gov. DeSantis for putting Florida families first and fighting to reduce energy costs at a time when we need it most.”
The funding is expected to stimulate job creation in the state by making improvement projects more accessible. This includes jobs in construction, infrastructure, and other related industries.
DeSantis had previously vetoed nearly $1 billion from the budget lawmakers had submitted to him earlier this year. The budget will take effect on July 1.
—
Read More US Economic News