Below is an official statement from Florida Attorney General James Usmeyer’s office regarding California’s attempt to lead national energy policy.
Attorney General James Usmayer announced that Florida has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Justice in response to a request for information regarding state laws that harm interstate commerce and the national economy. Florida’s filing identifies several California laws and policies that it says seek to usurp the nation’s energy policy in violation of the Constitution and federal law.
“California does not have the authority to determine America’s energy future,” said Attorney General James Usmayer. “Florida is calling on the Department of Justice to end illegal policies that drive up consumer costs, destroy American jobs, and undermine national security. Only then can our nation achieve the energy dominance that President Donald Trump seeks.”
Florida’s comments argue that these policies unlawfully interfere with interstate commerce, violate federal laws such as the Clean Air Act, and undermine the balance of power between state and federal governments.
According to Florida’s filing, California has enacted or proposed:
Emissions disclosure requirements that have illegally spread across California’s borders and impose high compliance burdens on businesses across the country. State and local lawsuits seeking billions of dollars in retroactive damages for legitimate energy production in violation of federal law. Attempts to ban internal combustion (gasoline-powered) vehicles and large trucks despite Congress’ repeal of California’s exemption under the Clean Air Act. Proposed “climate superfund” that would retroactively punish traditional fuel producers in violation of constitutional protections.
Attorney General Usmayer is asking the Justice Department to take action against California’s overreach so that states cannot impose extraterritorial regulations and the nation’s energy policy remains within federal control.
A copy of the comments can be downloaded here.
