Anyone tuned into CNN on Tuesday night heard the five Democratic presidential hopefuls talk a lot about climate change. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said climate change is the greatest threat to our national security. Former Gov. Martin O’Malley talked about a much-needed “green energy revolution” and a 100 percent clean energy electric grid.
What the candidates didn’t mention is that a national network of utility interest groups and fossil fuel industry-funded think tanks is providing funding, model legislation, and political cover for anti-solar campaigns across the country, at the expense of would-be solar customers.
According to a new report by Environment Maryland Research & Policy Center, “Blocking the Sun,” trade groups like the Edison Electric Institute have been working hand in hand with groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council and some major utilities to repeal renewable electricity standards and back anti-solar candidates in states across the country.
