'Blocking the Sun' how the Kochs and others undermine solar power

[applegrove]

https://m.dailykos.com/stories/2017/11/2/1712169/-Open-thread-for-night-owls-Blocking-the-Sun-how-the-Kochs-and-others-undermine-solar-power

"SNIP.......


Hye-Jin Kim and Rachel J. Cross of the Frontier Group, and Bret Fanshaw of the Environment America Research & Policy Center have produced an important new report to inform the resistance. The 45-page report is titled Blocking the Sun—Utilities and Fossil Fuel Interests that Are Undermining American Solar Power. Here is an excerpt from its executive summary:

This report documents 20 fossil fuel-backed groups and electric utilities running some of the nation’s most aggressive campaigns to slow the growth of solar energy in 12 states, including eight attempts to reduce net metering benefits and seven attempts to create demand charges for customers with solar power. Citizens and policy-makers must be aware of the tools that utilities are using to undermine solar energy across America and redouble their commitment to strong policies that move the nation toward a clean energy future.

A national network of utility interest groups and fossil fuel-backed think tanks has provided the funding, model legislation and political cover to discourage the growth of rooftop solar power.

* The Edison Electric Institute, the trade group that represents U.S. investor-owned electric utilities, launched the current wave of attacks on solar in 2012. Since then, EEI has worked with the American Legislative Exchange Council to create model legislation to repeal state renewable electricity standards and attack net metering.


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[Garrett78]

1. Why don't the likes of the Koch Brothers invest in renewable energy instead of thwarting it?

Is it simply a matter of them not being able to profit as much or for as long off of solar, wind, etc.? Since that which is in abundance, that which is renewable, will ultimately pay for itself? Does it not matter that fossil fuels will eventually run out?

Is it because a successful renewable energy industry that could eventually supplant the fossil fuel industry could lead to increased concern for environmental stewardship and other 'liberal' ideals?

[applegrove]

2. Those are the best of guesses. Kimberly Gilfoyle said on fox after Trump

pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord that it was about a transfer of wealth. That would be a transfer of wealth from oil and coal stockholders to the middle class and lower middle class who will pay less for power I guess. Plus I do think republicans are a death cult who want people to die of pollution rather than vote Democratic (Democratic voters less able to pay for healthcare between the ages of 45 to 65 than republicans) but that is just a hunch.

[Garrett78]

3. The other thing I don't get is why the Koch Brothers, as old as they are, care at this point.

They must be true believers in the evil nonsense they promote.

[applegrove]

4. And as rich as they are. They must be very unhappy and searching for

something they can't find. HEY ASSHOLES! What you need is interconnectedness by promoting the environment and the health of all Americans.