AEE applauds Gov. DeSantis, Sen. Lee, and Rep. Ingoglia for leadership and vision in ensuring Florida is prepared for the growing EV market and economic growth opportunities 

TALLAHASSEE, June 9, 2020 — Today, Advanced Energy Economy reacted to Governor Ron DeSantis signing into law SB 7018*, a bill that directs the Florida Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Florida Public Service Commission, Office of Energy, and relevant stakeholders, to develop a plan for electric vehicle infrastructure in Florida. 

“We applaud the Governor’s leadership and vision in sending a strong signal that Florida supports the growing market for electric vehicles in the state,” said Dylan Reed, Director with Advanced Energy Economy. “AEE also thanks the bill sponsors, Senator Tom Lee and Representative Blaise Ingoglia, for carrying this important legislation across the finish line.” 

The Essential State Infrastructure bill directs the Florida Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Florida Public Service Commission, Office of Energy, and relevant stakeholders, to develop a “Master Plan” for electric vehicle infrastructure expansion. The Florida House passed the bill 97-19 on March 11, following Senate passage 38-0 on March 6. The bill requires an interim report to be delivered to the Legislature by December, with the purpose of informing the development of further legislation ahead of next year's legislative session; the final report is due next July. Near the end of session, the scope of this bill was also expanded to include other facets of essential state infrastructure, including provisions around public linear facilities and emergency staging areas. 

“While SB 7018 is a great first step towards preparing for the projected growth of EVs in the state, it marks just the beginning of the road to Florida’s transportation future,” said Reed. “Companies across the electric transportation industry agree that more regulatory certainty is required to stimulate private investment in the state.”

“When we unlock investment for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, we unlock many other benefits as well, including consumer and economic benefits, grid benefits, and reduced air pollution,” said Reed. “We look forward to serving as a resource for state agencies and policymakers implementing this law over the next year, and ensuring that the future of electric vehicles in the Sunshine State remains bright.”

Background Resources

• SB 7018 bill language, amendments, votes, latest action is here.*
• Report: 2019 Florida Advanced Energy Jobs Fact Sheet
• Blog: “In Florida, Legislators Hear about Jobs, Savings, and EVs from AEE and Member Companies”

*AEE offers free, complimentary access to its PowerSuite online platform tracking all federal and state energy legislation and regulatory filings to credentialed media. Sign up for a free trial and contact Monique Hanis (mhanis@aee.net) for permanent access.

About Advanced Energy Economy
Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) is a national association of businesses that are making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. Advanced energy encompasses a broad range of products and services that constitute the best available technologies for meeting energy needs today and tomorrow. AEE’s mission is to transform public policy to enable rapid growth of advanced energy businesses. Engaged at the federal level and in more than a dozen states around the country including Florida, AEE represents more than 100 companies in the $238 billion U.S. advanced energy industry, which employs 3.6 million U.S. workers. Learn more at www.aee.net, track the latest news @AEEnet.