Scratch that: Gillum campaign rethinks environmental claim

In his bid for governor, Democratic Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum once took responsibility for reducing the city’s carbon footprint in a short period of time.

“Under his leadership, Tallahassee reduced its carbon intensity by roughly 40 percent,” his campaign website said.

This was an exaggeration. PolitiFact Florida did not find evidence that supported a carbon cut of that size under Gillum’s watch.

But if you check the website now, you won’t find that claim. The Gillum campaign softened the talking point after PolitiFact Florida started looking into it.

“You brought it to our attention and we wanted to make sure it was accurate, so we made the change when you reached out,” said campaign spokesman Geoff Burgan said. “We’re trying to get people the accurate information they need.”

This time, the post includes more nuance about the decrease in carbon intensity from initiatives Gillum has enacted as mayor since 2014.

“Over the last two decades,Tallahassee has reduced its carbon emission intensity by 40 percent, and under his leadership, has reduced the carbon footprint of electricity users in the city by 20 percent. The Mayor has worked both as Mayor and City Commissioner to implement and improve programs like free residential and commercial audits, low interest energy loans, and community outreach programs, as well breaking ground on the new 120 acre solar farm that will triple the City’s solar energy capacity.”