VIDEO: DeSantis Reveals Strategy for ‘Maximizing US Energy Supremacy’
Republican Presidential Contender Ron DeSantis Vows to Prioritize Fossil Fuels and Challenge Climate Change Efforts
In a fiery speech delivered in Midland, Texas, Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor and Republican candidate for president, made bold promises to slow down the transition to electric vehicles, repeal environmental regulations, and boost domestic fossil fuel production. Standing in the heart of oil country, DeSantis declared his intention to withdraw the United States from global agreements aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while simultaneously ramping up production of crude oil, gas, coal, and uranium on federal lands.
DeSantis confidently proclaimed, “We will unleash American energy dominance as a way to stop inflation and achieve $2 gas in 2025.” This plan represents a doubling down on his previous campaign promises, aligning him with other Republican candidates who advocate for unrestricted fossil fuel production and reduced federal regulations. While DeSantis had previously acknowledged the reality of human-induced climate change, he now dismisses it as fearmongering.
Despite his home state of Florida being frequently battered by powerful hurricanes, DeSantis argued that “human beings are safer than ever from climate disasters” due to increased access to electricity. As part of his energy policy, he pledged to replace the term “climate change” with “energy dominance” in key foreign policy and national security documents, although he did not specify which documents would be affected.
DeSantis’s close ties to the oil and gas industry are evident, with top executives and companies serving as his major supporters and financial backers. In an effort to boost his campaign, DeSantis has been meeting with donors in Texas, a state known for its oil industry.
Amidst a decline in the polls, DeSantis’s speech aimed to outline his energy policy and regain momentum. According to his remarks and a released factsheet, DeSantis plans to repeal President Biden’s electric vehicle mandates and prevent California and federal bureaucrats from setting environmental standards for the nation.
Furthermore, DeSantis intends to eliminate environmental, social, and governance considerations from investment decisions made by pensions and government accounts. He also opposes a proposed rule by the Securities and Exchange Commission that would require companies to disclose certain ESG-related information to investors.
In addition to expanding fossil fuel production, DeSantis emphasized the importance of investing in critical minerals and proposed the creation of a Critical Mineral Strategic Reserve. He also expressed his desire to hold plaintiffs accountable for baseless litigation against energy projects and repeal rules protecting seasonal streams and wetlands, which have been a source of contention for farmers in Iowa.
As DeSantis strives to distinguish himself in the crowded field of Republican candidates, his energy policy aligns with the “energy dominance” theme of former President Donald Trump’s administration. However, with President Joe Biden’s focus on clean energy and the growing global concern for climate change, DeSantis faces an uphill battle to gain support.
(Reporting by Gram Slattery; additional reporting by Sabrina Valle, Richard Valdmanis, and James Oliphant; editing by Timothy Gardner)
What is DeSantis’ stance on renewable energy and the fossil fuel industry?
Uments. This shift in rhetoric reflects DeSantis’ belief that the focus should be on maximizing American energy production rather than addressing the impacts of climate change.
DeSantis criticized the current administration’s push for renewable energy, arguing that it would lead to job losses in the fossil fuel industry and increased energy costs for American consumers. He pledged to roll back incentives for renewable energy and instead promote the use of coal, natural gas, and oil. Additionally, DeSantis promised to open up more federal land and waters for oil and gas exploration, disregarding concerns about the environmental impacts of such activities.
The Republican presidential contender also dismissed the notion that transitioning to electric vehicles is necessary to combat climate change. He argued that electric vehicles are expensive and inaccessible for many Americans, and that the government should not mandate their adoption. Instead, DeSantis proposed investing in the development of advanced technologies for traditional combustion engines to reduce emissions.
DeSantis’ stance on fossil fuels and climate change places him in direct opposition to the global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. While countries around the world are committing to renewable energy targets and phasing out fossil fuels, DeSantis wants to propel the United States into becoming an energy superpower. His strategy prioritizes short-term economic gains over addressing the long-term risks posed by climate change.
Critics argue that DeSantis’ approach is short-sighted and detrimental to the environment. They argue that investing in renewable energy and embracing clean technologies would not only help combat climate change, but also stimulate job creation and economic growth. They point to the declining costs of renewable energy and the potential for the United States to become a leader in the green energy sector.
Despite the criticism, DeSantis’ promises have resonated with his conservative base, who see his pro-fossil fuel stance as a defense of American jobs and energy independence. They support his rejection of what they view as excessive environmental regulations and appreciate his efforts to boost domestic fossil fuel production.
As the 2024 presidential campaign heats up, DeSantis’ commitment to prioritize fossil fuels and challenge climate change efforts will likely continue to generate strong reactions from both supporters and opponents. Whether this bold strategy will gain traction with the wider American electorate remains to be seen, but it is clear that DeSantis is positioning himself as a champion of the fossil fuel industry and a staunch opponent of climate change initiatives.
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