In this blog post, we examine the policies and positions of the incumbent U.S. Senator in Florida running for re-election, Marco Rubio. Also in this series, we profile, Representative Val Demings, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Florida..
Guest Blog | September 29, 2022 | Climate Change, Elections, Energy Policy, FloridaBrady Watson, former Civic Engagement Coordinator for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, also contributed to this blog post.
This post is part of a series examining where 2022 candidates running for public offices in the Southeast stand on key energy and climate issues. Note: The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Links to reports, candidate websites, and outside sources are provided as citizen education tools.
In this blog post, we examine the policies and positions of Senator Marco Rubio, the incumbent Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Florida. Also in this series, we profile Representative Val Demings, the Democratic candidate running for U.S. Senate in Florida. Election Day is November 8, 2022, and also features an election for Governor in the state of Florida between Democratic candidate Representative Charlie Crist and the Republican incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis.
Marco Rubio was born in Miami, and continues to live there today. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 1993, and a juris doctor from the University of Miami Law School in 1996. Rubio served as a City Commissioner in West Miami, before being elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000. Senator Rubio has served in the U.S. Senate since 2010.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
As speaker of the Florida State House in 2008, Rubio helped pass a sweeping energy bill that gave authority to state agencies to draft a renewable portfolio standard and carbon reduction policy, though they had to go back to the legislature for “ratification.” His evolution on the issue is chronicled here. Senator Rubio opposed both the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.
Climate Change
Rubio has denied human-caused climate change for years. He also opposed efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Electric Transportation
Senator Rubio has questioned California’s plan to prohibit the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035, saying they would need to be charged using fossil fuels, though he has not opposed electric vehicles in general.
Energy Equity and Energy Burden
Unable to find candidate information.
High-Risk Energy: Coal, Nuclear, Oil, Gas
Senator Rubio has supported protecting Florida’s coasts from offshore oil drilling.
Voter Information
The voter registration deadline for the Governor’s election in Florida is October 11, and early voting varies by location. Election Day for the 2022 midterms will be held on November 8, 2022. Find voting information in Florida.
Read the Where the Candidates Stand on Climate and Clean Energy Blog Series
#CandidatesOnEnergy2022