DeSantis blasts ’embarrassing’ Republican support for carbon sequestration bill

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his disappointment after the GOP-dominated House Natural Resources and Disasters Subcommittee in the Sunshine State voted to move forward with a bill proposing the creation of a carbon sequestration task force. The subcommittee approved the measure in a 15-2 vote on Tuesday, April 1, with two Republicans opposing it and 10 Republicans and all five Democrats supporting it.

In response to the vote outcome, Governor DeSantis remarked, “Is this Sacramento or Tallahassee? Absolutely embarrassing.” The proposed task force would be responsible for providing recommendations for the development of a statewide carbon sequestration program. Carbon sequestration is defined in the measure as the long-term storage of carbon in plants, soils, geologic formations, and the ocean through land and aquatic habitat management.

In a video shared on social media prior to the vote, Governor DeSantis criticized carbon sequestration as a “scam” and a component of “climate ideology.” He described the idea of depositing carbon into the soil, aquifers, or the ocean floor as a “non-starter.” Democratic Florida state Representative Lindsay Cross pushed back against Governor DeSantis’s claims, stating, “We aren’t pumping carbon anywhere.”

Cross emphasized the scientific basis of carbon sequestration, highlighting that plants naturally absorb carbon from the air and store it in their roots and soil. She underscored the bipartisan nature of the bill, asserting that it would position Florida as a leader in leveraging private investments to conserve and manage natural and agricultural areas.

The debate over carbon sequestration in Florida reflects broader discussions surrounding environmental policies and climate change initiatives. As the state grapples with balancing economic interests and environmental concerns, lawmakers continue to navigate the complexities of addressing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.

In conclusion, the advancement of the carbon sequestration task force bill in Florida underscores the ongoing dialogue surrounding environmental stewardship and climate action. Governor DeSantis’s criticism of the measure and Representative Cross’s defense highlight the diverse perspectives shaping policy decisions in the state. As Florida seeks to position itself as a leader in environmental conservation, the implementation of carbon sequestration initiatives will remain a topic of contention and collaboration among stakeholders.