A bus filled with young people from Orlando headed to Tallahassee on Wednesday for Florida’s third annual Earth Advocacy Day. This event, held on Thursday, offers those under 25 a unique chance to see how the legislative process works and advocate for environmental policy changes.
Groups like genCLEO, Sunrise Movement, and the Youth Action Fund organized the day. Isabella Montealegre, the Florida State Organizer for Poder Latinx, is part of this coalition. “We’re teaching young people how to engage with lawmakers,” she shared before the trip.
Preparing for the event, three interns from Poder Latinx received extensive training in policy advocacy. Montealegre pointed to the rising costs of living in Florida, particularly for energy. “The situation is tough, especially for young people,” she said, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding energy prices.
In November, the Florida Public Service Commission approved a major rate hike from Florida Power & Light, which is expected to cost consumers $7 billion over the next four years. This increase is the largest in U.S. history, driving many to call for reforms.
The youth involved are backing proposed legislation that would change how the Public Service Commission operates, limiting massive rate increases. “Setting a cap on profit margins for utilities is crucial,” Montealegre explained.
Nationally, utility companies have an average return on equity of about 9.7%. However, Florida Power & Light’s new rates will provide shareholders a return of 10.95%, raising concerns among affordability advocates.
As energy prices rise faster than inflation, the voices of young Floridians are becoming more prominent. “Many people are worried about their finances and quality of life,” Montealegre said. Low-income households already spend a larger portion of their income on energy, creating significant stress.
She also mentioned that lawmakers often lack awareness of the struggles faced by everyday Floridians. “Civic engagement is vital,” she stated.
In addition to energy issues, Montealegre highlighted concerns about proposed legislation providing legal protections for pesticide manufacturers, as well as a plan that would require local governments to develop disposal strategies for batteries. Such balanced approaches are necessary for a sustainable future.
For more information on proposed reforms in Florida and energy affordability impacts, you can visit the Florida Senate’s website and S&P Global.
