The solar industry is certainly beginning to establish itself in the United States, but it’s too soon to say whether the biggest performer of the clean energy world is off the hook. If truth be told, for every two steps taken forward, another step is taken back due to the increasing attacks from corporate interests and their well-paid legislators.
With the effects of climate change become more and more apparent, this political delay is wasting time the world does not have.
Necessary precautions are needed to stop these delays and it is time to name-and-shame those who contribute. Here are some of the instances in recent times which definitely leave people shaking their head as we walk closer to the point of no return.
Solar industry constantly at odds with Big Energy
Florida restricts solar industry
People think the Sunshine State would want to put its best resource to work, however Florida regulators have just halted the state’s environmental progress in a major way.
With one rash decision, Florida all but eradicated its previous agreement for energy goals. On top of that, the regulators resolved to stop giving discounts to those who choose to go solar, in that way eliminating the incentive for people and companies who choose to make a green choice.
Granted, with the Governor’s own dismissal of climate change, it’s not a complete surprise that Florida has taken a belligerent stand against the solar industry. Yet, to have one of the nation’s most populated states insolently stand opposed to even moderate environmental policies, is a cause for much concern.
Solar Embargo in Wisconsin
At the same time Florida back-pedaled on the solar industry, Wisconsin has decided not to give solar even a small chance to catch on. The state chose to uplift the price of using solar energy while concurrently discarding any financial inducements for relying on this energy.
It may not technically be a ban on the solar industry, but this set of rules effectively kills any chance of solar energy catching on down the road. Through making solar energy a much more costly form of power even when it doesn’t have to be, the state is discouraging new adopters to stick to traditional, non-renewable energy sources.
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Koch Brothers
The real question is why the states are so keen on making the solar industry a financially impractical choice for residents. Observe and see who is putting money behind these crusades. The Koch Brothers, who have big money in traditional oil and gas, have the capital to pay politicians who are happy to reject clean energy.
In Oklahoma, politicians approved insulting laws requiring residents who use clean energy to pay taxes to utility companies for not using their amenities.
Getting a hold of the Government to render decisions that go in opposition to renewable energy sources just puts more money in the energy companies’ pockets and eases their concerns for the future by removing competition. Basically, it’s just a business decision and it is one that has extreme consequences that we will all ultimately pay.
Wal-Mart
The Koch Brothers may be steering the attack, but they’re in good (bad) company. America’s most popular corporation has its own role in blocking the solar industry movement. Solar power may be inevitable, but that hasn’t stopped Walmart from trying to lull the substitution as long as possible. Analysts have found that Walmart is providing lots of money to 20 anti-solar organizations to guarantee growth is demoted.
Perchance the most repulsive part about the whole thing is that Walmart actually capitalizes with solar companies, as well. It appears to be the company’s way of evading hedging its bets so it can control the solar industry when this energy becomes conventional. For the time being however, it stands to make more money from traditional energy sources and keeping solar industry down.
