FLORIDA: The state’s energy burden the percentage of annual income used to pay residential energy bills is expected to increase by roughly 30 percent. This will leave them with less money for food, housing, health care and other necessities that many families already struggle to afford.
Florida, which is home to 4.3 million Hispanics, one of many underserved communities vulnerable to rising energy costs. A first of its kind study by the National Black Chamber of Commerce provides the answer. It will leave low-income Floridians with disproportionately fewer jobs, lower incomes and more poverty.
A centerpiece of President Barack Obama’s second term agenda, the regulation aims to cut Florida’s carbon dioxide emissions by 38 percent over the next 15 years this will require a total overhaul of the state’s energy grid, which according to the study will increase electricity and natural gas costs by 65 percent.
Why will this be especially harmful to low income families. It’s really quite simple. It is because they already spend a higher portion of their incomes on utility bills.
