Energy

The bill reinforces the ability of local governments to refuse to build AI data centers in their jurisdictions.

Florida electric utilities initially said they would decrease their use of natural gas by 18% in the next decade, but their updated plans now show an increase of 2%.

Data centers typically house thousands of servers for tech and AI companies and require significant resources to operate.

These facilities use excessive amounts of electricity and water. Development plans are being discussed in Polk, Palm Beach, Martin, and Citrus counties.

The proposed Affordable Energy Reform Act would make electricity rate hike cases more transparent, cap utility returns on equity, and tie company profits to efficiency.

Florida Power & Light is considered a regional leader in renewable energy investment, with Duke Energy following just behind.

The City says the money will help create a more resilient and equitable energy system to protect against extreme weather events.

Future nuclear might not look like past nuclear. Advanced technology could include large nuclear plants, as well as small reactors used by the military or industries.

After the issue was tucked into a wide-ranging energy bill this year, state regulators in the coming months will study the feasibility of adding more nuclear power.

The report says Florida could achieve net zero emissions by 2050 while growing the economy, creating jobs, and reducing energy and transportation costs.