Q&A: ALEC’s new tactics to weaken renewable laws
2013-08-13
This Q&A originally appeared in Midwest Energy News.  By Kari Lydersen Though bills meant to revoke or undercut renewable standards in numerous states failed last session, clean energy advocates say the model Market Power Renewables Act and the Renewable Energy Credit Act proposed by ALEC’s energy task force during the conference pose a fresh threat. The Market Power… Read more »
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Fossil Fuel Interests Continue Attacks on Clean Energy Policies
2013-08-12
This response was originally posted at National Journal’s Energy Insiders blog, which asked energy experts this week, “How Bright Is Renewable Energy’s Future?” The outlook for clean energy remains strong because smart investments like state Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) are combining with technological innovation to produce tremendous growth for the industry and tens of thousands… Read more »
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House Natural Resources Committee takes yet another action promoting same oil and gas giveaways, mandates leasing quotas for oil companies
2013-07-23
The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee meets on Wednesday to mark up a slew of bills, and sandwiched in among them are a familiar series of giveaways to the multibillion-dollar oil and gas industry. In fact, the legislation would mandate leasing quotas for oil companies and increase speculation on public lands. “The oil and gas… Read more »
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New survey proves Westerners want conservation on equal ground with drilling
2013-06-17
Today, the Center for American Progress (CAP) announced new public opinion research that illustrates the stark gap between Washington’s public land use priorities – heavily weighted toward pro-development policies – and what Westerners believe is an appropriate balance between oil and gas drilling and protecting treasured landscapes for future generations. This new research clearly shows… Read more »
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For House Republicans, the season of oil and gas giveaways has begun
2013-06-6
As reported by Politico’s Andrew Restuccia, Tuesday, House Republicans will spend the summer trying to breathe new life into tired ideas filled with industry giveaways. It’s no wonder given these politicians receive huge contributions from the oil and gas industry. Ironically, these “conservatives” want more mandates and quotas for oil companies while also cutting common… Read more »
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Senators get it wrong on oil & gas production at Jewell nomination hearing; Industry is following the oil to nonfederal lands
2013-03-8
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources convened, Thursday, to question President Obama’s Interior Sec. nominee, REI Chief Executive Officer Sally Jewell. The three-hour hearing was generally friendly, but some Senators couldn’t pass up the chance to repeat oil and gas industry talking points, rather than deal in facts. The Checks and Balances Project watched the… Read more »
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Fact Check on #SOTU and Rep. Doc Hastings
2013-02-14
In Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, President Barack Obama stated: “Now, in the meantime, the natural gas boom has led to cleaner power and greater energy independence. We need to encourage that. That’s why my administration will keep cutting red tape and speeding up new oil and gas permits.” House Natural Resources Committee… Read more »
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House Energy and Power Subcommittee promotes failed oil shale speculation, despite century of failure and new reports that world’s leading firm could lose big on Utah oil shale project
2013-02-5
“It’s disappointing to see Rep. Whitfield and House Republicans recycling the same old failed energy ideas. Despite being awarded billions in taxpayer funds, all these oil shale speculators have to show is failure. We need real energy solutions, not more speculation and failed investments,” said Ellynne Bannon, western lands program manager for the Checks and… Read more »
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Tipton staffer goes to WEA, raises his ties to oil and gas companies
2013-01-14
Colorado Congressman Scott Tipton’s close and questionable ties to oil companies have been a source of controversy since he was first elected. These include: His campaign contributions from oil companies; His financial investments in oil companies lobbying for the Keystone Pipeline – which he voted in favor of , and His ties to SG Interests,… Read more »
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