Latest news with #ConsumerEnergyAlliance
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Leaked documents reveal industry's manipulative strategy to influence lawmakers: 'A clear front'
Leaked documents reviewed by the Washington Post revealed that the oil and gas industry has helped fund and depended on advocacy groups to influence lawmakers that its products lower the energy burden for communities of color. The Post reported that the Energy Poverty Awareness Center (EnPAC), an advocacy group founded by ex-NFL player Gary Baxter, opposed a climate bill in 2024 that would've banned natural gas water heaters and furnaces in new buildings across Maryland. The group argued that the legislation would lead to higher electric bills for Black households. But Baxter's organization has indirect ties to the gas industry, as the Houston-based nonprofit Consumer Energy Alliance — which is partially funded by the dirty fuel industry — helped establish EnPAC and organize media outreach and meetings with state lawmakers. Chesapeake Utilities, which operates in Delaware and Maryland and is a CEA member, submitted a statement opposing the natural gas ban, citing concerns that it would increase costs for customers. "In essence, Chesapeake received indirect lobbying services from CEA — in this case via Gary Baxter's EnPAC — in exchange for its membership in CEA," said Itai Vardi, a research and communications manager at the Energy and Policy Institute, per the Post. "This is what makes CEA so misleading and a clear front for the fossil fuel industry: It does lobbying that serves its members without having to register as a lobbyist." The documents found that CEA also has an alliance with the National Hispanic Energy Council, which says natural gas expands access to affordable energy for Hispanic families. "The documents reveal how oil, gas, and utility companies — through their membership in Consumer Energy Alliance — cynically claim to represent the interests of structurally disadvantaged communities," Vardi added. Though the climate legislation did not pass, it would have only impacted new buildings and homes in Maryland and required builders to install energy-efficient appliances, such as electric heat pumps, rather than gas furnaces. It would also not outlaw gas stoves in existing homes, which many people in the state still use for cooking, despite research showing they contribute to poor indoor air quality and outdoor pollution. That means energy bills for communities of color would not increase. However, studies do show that African American and Latino families bear a greater energy burden and are less likely to adopt climate-friendly technologies. Could America stop using oil and gas by 2050? For sure No way Only certain states could I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. But with the Inflation Reduction Act offering massive tax incentives and rebates for low- and moderate-income families to switch to heat pumps and other energy-efficient appliances, it's much easier for them to access the resources needed to update their homes — which would lower their electric bills and reduce their exposure to deadly air pollution. The claims made by dirty fuel-backed advocacy groups could prevent families from upgrading to eco-friendly technologies and spread misinformation about the costs of going green. In the bigger picture, it's essential for new buildings to be constructed without oil- and gas-powered appliances, as the operations of buildings account for 30% of global energy use and 26% of energy-related pollution, per the International Energy Agency. While the Better Buildings Act did not pass in Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order in 2024 to phase out the installation of gas-fired furnaces in new homes by 2035, per WUSA 9. Other cities and states have also made progress in going green, as Chicago officials announced plans to ban gas-powered heating systems and appliances in new construction. In 2023, New York became the first state to ban natural gas stoves and furnaces in most new buildings. We can help by educating ourselves about greenwashing and supporting organizations actively working to make the planet cleaner and safer for everyone. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Boston Globe
16-03-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Two New England energy companies in surprising alliance with fossil fuel lobby, undercutting climate targets
Advertisement In Massachusetts, a state that's set aggressive climate targets, cooperation and buy-in from utilities is a pillar of how the state plans to get there. That makes it 'incredibly troubling' that both Eversource, one of the state's largest gas and electric utilities, and Avangrid, offshore wind developer and the parent company of Berkshire Gas, became members of the alliance last year, said Kyle Murray, Massachusetts program director for the advocacy group the Acadia Center. In response to questions from the Globe, both New England utilities defended their decision to join the alliance. They also noted that the costs for their membership are being covered by shareholders — not ratepayers. Neither company would disclose how much they pay the alliance as members. Eversource spokesperson William Hinkle said the company joined through its New Hampshire operating company and that it did so with an eye toward the alliance's 'diversified approach to renewable energy development' including offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine. At Avangrid, company spokesperson Leo Rosales said the company joined because 'we support their efforts to advocate for greater transparency and consumer education on energy bills.' He added that 'a membership does not reflect the company's endorsement of an organization's entire platform.' Both companies have been vocal supporters of the clean energy transition in New England and played key roles in guiding new climate-friendly policies. Eversource even Advertisement So, the decision to join the Consumer Energy Alliance perhaps illustrates how complicated the business of energy is in the United States, with utilities operating across state lines and adhering to different laws and objectives. 'At a time when we know we need to be transitioning off of fossil fuels as soon as is practicable, these companies have instead opted to join with a group dedicated to frustrating that aim, and indeed directly at odds with some of the positive initiatives that these companies have been advancing in the Northeast' like geothermal networks, offshore wind transmission, and more, Murray said. The Consumer Energy Alliance was launched in 2006 by HBW Resources, a lobbying group that represents the fossil fuel industry. The alliance has done some advocacy for offshore wind, including Bryson Hull, a spokesperson for the alliance and vice president of strategic/crisis communications at HBW Resources, said via email that the alliance is proud of the work it has done across the country to 'defend Americans' freedom to choose the energy they want and need,' including supporting wind. Advertisement But critics argue that limited efforts to bolster offshore wind are essentially a 'fig leaf for Consumer Energy Alliance's main operation.' The alliance's said Itai Vardi, a research and communications manager at the investigative research organization Energy and Policy Institute. As of 2020, the alliance had roughly 10 ongoing local and state campaigns to improve the optics around natural gas, according to a document obtained by the Energy and Policy Institute, repeatedly resulting in controversy. In 2023, the group was investigated by the Ohio attorney general's office after said a contractor was to blame and A recent But here in the Northeast, the group has been largely quiet after an earlier plan to raise the profile of gas appears to have failed. Advertisement That plan, presented by the alliance at a gas industry conference in 2019, included highlighting the 'extreme costs of winter home heating' and continuing its ' Despite those efforts, Massachusetts went on to pass climate bills to move past fossil fuels, and many New England states did as well. Some local supporters of clean energy worry that with Trump back in the White House, the alliance may see an opening to again try to take aim at New England's climate policies. And having support from two local utilities adds wind to its sails. Avangrid's involvement with the alliance also goes deeper than just membership — Avangrid chief executive Pedro Azagra also joined the board of the National Hispanic Energy Council, which was formed with support from the alliance. The National Hispanic Energy Council has vocally opposed California's Elizabeth Turnbull Henry, president of the Environmental League of Massachusetts, said she hopes that, as members, Eversource and Avangrid will 'use their power to moderate and improve' the Consumer Energy Alliance platform. If not, she said, 'joining creates a credibility problem. ' Sabrina Shankman can be reached at
