Castor, Soto Introduce the REBATE Act

Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) joined the bipartisan effort to introduce the Reforming Energy-Efficient Buildings and Appliances Tax Exemptions (REBATE) Act. This bill would “amend the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)” and allow local governments to receive federal funding for high-efficiency electric home rebate programs.

Legislators – mostly from the Sunshine State – included Representatives Darren Soto (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL), and Jenniffer González Colón (R-PR, non-voting Member).

Rep. Castor mentioned that this bill could lead Floridians to lower energy payments and called out Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in the process.

“Floridians are being gouged by electric utilities in Florida, and Governor DeSantis’s veto of energy rebates has made it even more expensive for Florida families. Floridians could enjoy lower energy bills if we can unlock the resources to weatherize homes and purchase energy-efficient appliances as the residents of other states are enjoying right now,” said Rep. Castor.

She went on to mention, “To put money back into the pockets of our neighbors, the REBATE Act enables local governments to receive and implement energy rebates and discounts in their communities. Democrats in Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act to provide energy cost savings to our neighbors. The REBATE Act would deliver those savings and avoid the higher costs imposed by Gov. DeSantis. Lower electric bills, new energy-efficient appliances and less pollution in the Sunshine State – a win, win, win.”

Rep. Soto stated that the REBATE Act could aid the transition to clean energy.

“I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan REBATE Act to allow Florida families access to programs that provide tax incentives if they transition to clean energy,” said Rep. Soto. “We passed the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — both bipartisan measures – to benefit working families and improve our nation for future generations. In Florida, we refuse to let politically-motivated vetoes get in the way of access to these programs.”

Finally, Rep. Frankel provided her thoughts on the bill, saying that it could help families lower their carbon footprints.

“The Inflation Reduction Act has provided millions of Americans with the opportunity to save money on energy-efficient appliances and home upgrades," said Rep. Frankel. "This bill would allow Florida communities to access the nearly $346 million in savings available to our state, helping families lower their energy costs and their carbon footprints."

The bill would give Florida residents access to $346 million in IRA energy-efficient appliances, according to Castor's press release.