By Kevin Doyle
Florida lawmakers have taken a stand to protect those who keep our lights on during hurricanes and other natural disasters, by recognizing them as peers to other first responders like firefighters and EMS. This new legislation enhances penalties for assaults against utility workers restoring power after storms or working on critical infrastructure. We thank Senator Clay Yarborough and Representative Jennifer Kincart Jonsson for their leadership.
Utility workers are genuine first responders, working alongside emergency services to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. They prioritize critical facilities like hospitals and emergency response centers, helping our region begin recovery. They are instrumental in helping our region begin the process of recovery and rebuilding – in particular by prioritizing critical facilities such as hospitals, emergency response centers, and essential infrastructure.
The coordination between utilities, state officials, and local authorities across Florida shows how things should work. Too often, we fail to appreciate the scale and speed of these emergency response efforts.
To all the utility workers participating in the monumental efforts of helping our state recover after hurricanes, beyond their day-to-day work maintaining and upgrading our strong electric grid, we thank you. America needs more solidarity, service and resilience like this, especially in times of crisis. This legislation passed in the State Capitol is an acknowledgment that the elected leaders of Florida know and appreciate the work that you do our state.
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is a leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs. Supporting our energy workforce goes a long way to help ensure that the lights stay on.
Kevin Doyle is the Florida Executive Director and Vice President of State Affairs for Consumer Energy Alliance.
Author
