Smart energy policies mean freedom for all Floridians | Opinion

The executive director of the Florida Natural Gas Association writes in favor of HB 1645, a bill awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature, which would encourage development of natural gas pipelines and distribution facilities while limiting construction of offshore and coastal wind farms.

Florida is a state unlike any other in the union. Key among our differences is Florida’s geography, boasting the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, with 825 miles of accessible beaches to enjoy. However, as the only state bordering both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, we are also most susceptible to hurricanes. In the nearly 175 years of NOAA record-keeping, Florida has seen almost twice as many hurricanes as Texas, the second-most hurricane-ravaged state.

As a state prone to hurricanes and other natural disasters, Florida must remain free to choose from diverse energy sources, including natural gas. Our resilience depends on it.

Earlier this year, the Florida Legislature passed legislation — now awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature — that protects Florida’s access to clean, reliable and affordable energy. House Bill 1645 is designed to remove federal and international control of Florida’s energy policies, allowing us to make the best decisions for our state.

When the electricity goes out, natural gas is a reliable fuel source. Many homes and businesses use natural gas to power generators. From hospitals to nursing homes, our most vulnerable residents remain safe with the comfort provided by natural gas. Further, our emergency responders continue operations through and after a storm, often relying on natural gas to support operations.

HB 1645 allows consumers to choose their energy source. And by extending energy service and appliance preemptions to HOAs and Community Development Districts, Floridians can maintain resilient homes with backup generators, gas stoves for cooking and gas water heaters that will remain in operation during natural disasters.

The passage of this legislation also maintains and encourages reliable fuel sources for public utilities. Natural gas infrastructure adds the ability for utilities to build redundancy in their operations to provide resiliency during natural disasters or manmade disruptions. The reliability of fuel sources is critical to the state’s economy, our ability to recover from natural disasters and the quality of life of our residents.

Natural disasters are not our only threat. This Florida-first legislation also aims to reduce our reliance on foreign energy sources and bolster national security.

HB 1645 will require the Public Service Commission to conduct an assessment of the security and resiliency of the state’s electric grid and natural gas facilities against both physical threats and cyber threats.

Moreover, natural gas is abundant, and we can produce enough energy domestically to combat high global prices, reduce dependence on foreign sources and mitigate geopolitical uncertainties.

According to the nonprofit Empowerment Alliance, natural gas powers over 30% of America’s energy needs, reducing our energy trade deficit by 87%. There is enough natural gas under America’s soil to meet current needs for nearly 90 years, according to the US Energy Information Agency. New technologies and methods continue to unlock new sources and reservoirs, expanding the potential further into the future.

Recent federal restrictions on natural gas are a triple threat to our nation, impacting our economy, energy security and national security.

China is accelerating its investment in coal. The country’s coal-producing power has more than doubled in recent years, and 300 new coal plants are in the permitting pipeline. While America is sitting on massive amounts of clean natural gas, our allies in Europe will be forced to turn to our foes for their essential energy needs.

But not in Florida. HB 1645 promotes energy diversification and embraces natural gas, leading to economic growth and greater energy independence. This energy policy prevents federal and international bodies from creating regulations that have led to dire consequences in other parts of the world.

I commend the Florida Legislature for tasking the PSC with proactively assessing and planning for resiliency and for protecting Floridians’ access to energy. Now I urge the governor’s signature. By signing HB 1645 and encouraging energy diversification, we can build a reliable, resilient, more sustainable energy future for Florida.

Dale Calhoun is the executive director of the Florida Natural Gas Association. He lives in Tallahassee. Currently, more than 700,000 Florida homes rely on natural gas, and nearly 70,000 businesses are powered by natural gas.