Florida is on the brink of banning offshore wind turbines in state waters as a preemptive measure to safeguard the beaches, although there are currently no plans for such installations.
Florida lacks the wind resources necessary for a viable wind power industry compared to states like those in the US Northeast or Texas. Consequently, the state does not have any wind farms, either onshore or offshore, but it excels as a leader in solar power generation.
Despite the absence of wind farms, the Florida legislature is moving forward with HB 1645, a bill aimed at formally prohibiting wind turbines in state waters.
The bill’s definition of a wind turbine as a device capable of producing more than 10 kilowatts of electrical power raises eyebrows and sets the tone for the restrictions that follow. Wind turbines would be prohibited within one mile of the Florida coastline and Intracoastal waterways, extending up to three nautical miles from shore in the Atlantic Ocean and nine nautical miles in the Gulf of Mexico.
While Maine prohibited wind farms in its state waters to preserve recreational and fishing areas, the state has abundant wind resources nearshore and is actively pursuing floating wind farms in federal waters. Florida’s ban not only halts offshore development but also restricts transmission cables through state waters.
The rationale behind this ban appears dubious, with House Speaker Paul Renner likening wind turbines to offshore drilling in terms of unwanted visual impact to beachgoers. However, the ban seems unnecessary given the absence of offshore drilling in Florida waters post the 2018 BP oil spill.
State Senator Jay Collins’ concerns about climate change and potential disturbance to marine life by wind turbines reflect misconceptions, as studies have debunked claims of wind turbines harming whales. Furthermore, HB 1645 aims to erase mentions of climate change from state laws, despite Florida’s susceptibility to its effects.
Additionally, the bill seeks to relax regulations on natural gas pipelines, further showcasing the legislature’s priorities and highlighting the need for sustainable energy solutions like solar power with battery storage systems.
Read more: Oil-funded lobbyists are trying to trick you into killing more whales
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