In Florida Senate Race, Two Candidates' Contrasting Views on the Climate

"Incumbent Rick Scott, a Republican, reportedly banned the words “climate change” from state agencies as governor. Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell favors climate-resilient infrastructure."

"ORLANDO, Fla. —Florida’s narrowing Senate race, between two candidates with vastly different views on the environment and climate, is shaping up to be consequential as each party pursues control of the chamber in November.

The incumbent, Rick Scott, a Republican, faces a formidable challenge from former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a Democrat. Various recent polls indicate the contest is tightening. In one poll last month Scott led Mucarsel-Powell by a mere percentage point. Forty-five percent of would-be voters favored Scott, compared with 44 percent for Mucarsel-Powell, according to the Sept. 30 poll from Victory Insights. Eleven percent were undecided.

At stake is U.S. climate policy including the Inflation Reduction Act, the $370 billion package President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022. The monumental measure includes clean energy incentives that former President Donald Trump has vowed to repeal if re-elected."

Amy Green reports for Inside Climate News October 9, 2024.

Source: Inside Climate News, 10/11/2024