With 90% of Duke Energy Florida’s generation mix coming from these polluting sources, it’s yet another proof point that we must transition to cheaper, cleaner energy solutions to both protect our pocketbooks and our health.
The CLEO Institute, a climate change advocacy group, reports that Donalds has received $1.79 million in campaign contributions from Florida’s major power utilities over the years, trailing only Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson among Florida leaders.
Susan Glickman, Vice President of Policy and Partnerships for CLEO, calls the decision appalling. “To sign a bill on Earth Day feels quite cynical, that he’s thumbing his nose at the local communities that are suffering from extreme weather, and also that are suffering with paying power bills, and affordability is on everyone’s mind, and this went in the exact opposite direction.”
The group cited a report from The CLEO Institute published last month. The report found Tampa Electric’s CEO made $2.4 million in 2024, Duke Energy’s CEO made $6.3 million, and Florida Power & Light’s CEO made $11.4 million.
The phosphogypsum stack was expected to reach capacity around 2030 — but the proposed expansion would extend operations at the site to about 2046, according to The CLEO Institute.
According to a report released last month by The CLEO Institute, in 2024 the CEO of Tampa Electric made $2.4 million; Duke’s CEO made $6.3 million; and FPL’s CEO made $11.4 million. Furthermore, the report showed that customers of Tampa Electric, Duke Energy, and Florida Power & Light paid 3 of the 10 highest bills in the country last year.
“For genCLEO, last semester we only used aluminum cups, which is already infinitely better ‘cause you can just recycle them,” [Gutierrez] said. “Even though it might be pricier, it’s just benefiting a larger whole.”
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