Florida Governor Ron DeSantis lately killed an EV invoice that may have saved Floridians some huge cash. Whereas it was handy that the transfer got here simply after former president Donald Trump gave a speech that railed on each DeSantis and EVs, Trump might not have been the rationale for the vetoing of the invoice in any respect. The Orlando Sentinel experiences that DeSantis’ puzzling veto might have had extra to do with the 2024 Presidential Election.

The invoice, SB 284, was sponsored by Sen. Jason Brodeur ( R-Lake Mary). It could have required state businesses and entities like faculties and universities to purchase fleet automobiles based mostly on their “lowest lifetime prices” slightly than gas effectivity, as present state legal guidelines require. This could have precipitated these businesses to favor EVs, which have decrease lifetime upkeep prices. Entities throughout the state would have been required to make their buy suggestions by July 1, 2024. Teams that supported state businesses embracing EVs and different gas automobiles welcomed the invoice. However when it crossed DeSantis’ desk, he struck it down, leaving officers scratching their heads.

“It was a typical sense, good governance invoice. There may be nothing on this invoice that any individual in America ought to be in opposition to,” stated former Sen. Jeff Brandes, a Tampa Bay Republican who tried getting comparable laws by final yr.

Worse but is the fee financial savings that each state businesses and tax payers are lacking out on. Various power teams and trade consultants say that $277 million over 15 years would have been saved had state businesses and different entities had switched to EV fleets, with financial savings of “a mean of $18,000 per automobile.” But it surely might be extra to it than simply not wanting EVs. DeSantis is hoping to be the 2024 presidential nominee for the Republican Occasion. And that may require getting on the nice aspect of Iowa voters

Killing the invoice panders to Iowa voters forward of the 2024 presidential caucus. A invoice that favors EVs wouldn’t look too kindly to voters in a state that helps ethanol, a gas Florida fleets extensively use. On the finish of the day although, state reps say his strikes are doing nothing however hurting Florida voters on the costly of his personal agenda, like Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando). “Not a single a part of his agenda that handed helps Floridians. His agenda is tailor-made to the wants of Republican [primary and caucus voters],” Eskamani stated.