Energy & Environment
Darren is committed to expanding our energy mix by incentivizing renewable energy such as solar, wind, biofuels, and hydropower. Hailing from the Sunshine State, he understands the importance of solar, in particular, to assist with peak generation demands in the middle of an average Florida day when the sun is shining and the air conditioners are running.
Darren also believes we must maintain reliable and affordable electric service by ensuring that our push for renewable diversity is in harmony with continued use of natural gas and nuclear power as appropriate.
It is critical that we meet the energy demands of today while developing the clean energy technology of tomorrow. It is up to today’s leaders to embrace the long term challenge of combating climate change and saving our planet for future generations.
We must also protect Florida's natural beauty, pristine beaches and long-term water supply. It is important for our quality of life, and for our economy. As a result, Darren opposes off-shore drilling near Florida's coast and fracking on its lands.
I look forward to working on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources to resolve these and other major challenges.
Selected bills on energy and the environment co-sponsored by Congressman Soto:
H.R. 468 - Foreign Spill Protection Act of 2017 - make foreign facilities liable for removal costs and damages that result from oil spills that reach (or threaten to reach) U.S. navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the EEZ.
H.R. 502 - To permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund - to make permanent the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
More on Energy & Environment
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the House of Representatives passed key environmental initiatives secured by Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) in a $259.5 billion funding package that consists of fiscal year 2021 State-Foreign Operations, Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA, Interior-Environment, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bills.
KISSIMMEE, FL— Today, Rep.
Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) asked Administrator Andrew Wheeler if the Environmental Protection Agency can test the safety of water in St. Cloud. The request comes after residents of St. Cloud reported seeing orange and brown sediment in the water coming out of faucets and in other water systems throughout their homes.
As scientists work frantically to prevent the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease across the Florida Reef Tract, they acknowledge more funding and resources are needed.
A crew of researchers from Nova Southeastern University are the first line of defense in the battle against this deadly disease. The scientists have been treating the coral already infected with a paste combined with amoxicillin.
A congressman is stepping in after thousands of St. Cloud residents have been dealing with orange and brown sediment in their water for more than two and a half years.
Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) announced a $40 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Toho Water Authority in Kissimmee, Florida. The loan will help finance projects that will improve the efficiency of the existing sewer and wastewater management systems and support community growth without needing to expand the existing wastewater treatment facility.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), along with Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) officially introduced a national fracking ban in the House.
Today, Reps. Darren Soto (FL-09) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) introduced H.R. 5857, the Ban Fracking Act, a federal bill to phase out fracking nationwide in the United States. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Bernie Sanders (VT-I) and Jeff Merkley (OR-D).
Yesterday, at his Climate Change Town Hall, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) unveiled the legislative framework of the draft Climate Leadership and Environmental Action for our Nation’s (CLEAN) Future Act – an ambitious new climate plan to ensure the United States achieves net-zero greenhouse gas pollution no later than 2050. The bill is being spearheaded by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which Rep. Soto is a member of.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) celebrated the more than 400 bills, including more than 275 bipartisan bills still awaiting action in the GOP-controlled Senate, passed by the Democratic House Majority over the past year.