A roundup of news items related to climate change and other environmental issues in Florida:
Florida environmental agency fights plan to reduce power plant pollution | News Service of Florida
TALLAHASSEE — The state agency in charge of protecting Florida’s environment lashed out at a federal proposal aimed at reducing greenhouse-gas emissions from power plants, saying it “places the reliability, affordability and capacity of the nation’s energy supply at risk.”
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection released comments late Tuesday that it sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency urging that the proposed rules be dropped. They came amid similar objections from state and national utility-industry groups and the Florida Public Service Commission.
“[It] is clear the EPA has placed an emphasis on transitioning to a ‘net-zero world’ above the electric needs of Americans,” said the document signed by Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “Florida’s superior air quality is a result of ingenuity and smart governance. The proposed rules put states like Florida at greater risk, by attempting to force unproven transitional energy practices ahead of generating the energy capacity necessary to meet the demand of our residents, visitors and businesses.”
NOAA increases predictions to ‘above-normal’ hurricane season due to hot sea surface temperatures | South Florida Sun Sentinel
The National Hurricane Center is now predicting an “above-normal” 2023 hurricane season, increasing the likelihood from only a 30% chance in its last outlook to a 60% chance going forward.
The update announced Thursday comes as a result of ongoing record-breaking sea surface temperatures that continue to fight off the tempering effects of El Niño.
While sea surface temperatures have remained hot for longer than anticipated, El Niño’s effects, which typically reduce hurricane chances, have emerged more slowly.
Environmental groups sue to get gopher tortoises on the endangered species list | WUSF
A pair of Florida environmental activist groups are suing the federal government to place the gopher tortoise on the endangered species list.
The suit was filed in federal court Wednesday. It alleges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reneged on promises made a dozen years ago that the tortoise warranted increased protections. Elise Bennett is state director with the Center for Biological Diversity, based in St. Petersburg.
“A few months ago, we sent the agency a notice that detailed significant deficiencies with their decision, and asked them to reconsider that decision so we could avoid going to court,” Bennett said. “But unfortunately, Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to stand by this unlawful decision.”
If you have any news items of note that you think we should include in our next roundup, please email The Invading Sea Editor Nathan Crabbe at ncrabbe@fau.edu. Sign up for The Invading Sea newsletter by visiting here.
