Darren is committed to expanding our energy mix by incentivizing renewable energy such as solar, wind, biofuels, and hydropower.  Hailing from the Sunshine State, he understands the importance of solar, in particular, to assist with peak generation demands in the middle of an average Florida day when the sun is shining and the air conditioners are running.

Darren also believes we must maintain reliable and affordable electric service by ensuring that our push for renewable diversity is in harmony with continued use of natural gas and nuclear power as appropriate.  

It is critical that we meet the energy demands of today while developing the clean energy technology of tomorrow.  It is up to today’s leaders to embrace the long term challenge of combating climate change and saving our planet for future generations.

We must also protect Florida's natural beauty, pristine beaches and long-term water supply.  It is important for our quality of life, and for our economy.  As a result, Darren opposes off-shore drilling near Florida's coast and fracking on its lands.

I look forward to working on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources to resolve these and other major challenges.

Selected bills on energy and the environment co-sponsored by Congressman Soto:

H.R. 468 - Foreign Spill Protection Act of 2017 - make foreign facilities liable for removal costs and damages that result from oil spills that reach (or threaten to reach) U.S. navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the EEZ.

H.R. 502 - To permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund - to make permanent the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.