By Judi McLeod ——Bio and Archives--May 27, 2019
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“…But while Ocasio-Cortez has taken the brunt of the media focus, environmental groups have developed a new strategy to get their way: pass a type of “Green New Deal” state by state. “It’s a smart tactic. They get friendly, left-leaning state legislators and governors, most of whom they financially backed in the past election, to do their dirty work. While the media is watching AOC marveling over garbage disposals and rejecting the racism of cauliflower, no one is reporting about bad laws taking shape in secret. “That’s exactly how radical green groups want it. “Their latest attempt was in New Mexico, and unfortunately, it succeeded. Newly-elected Democrat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the “Energy Transition Act” in March. This law requires that New Mexico move to 100 percent carbon-free energy – the same long-term goal as the “Green New Deal.”
“This destructive law is essentially a hidden carbon tax and will threaten the jobs of thousands of energy workers, raise utility rates, cut state revenue, and make green energy companies rich at the taxpayers’ expense. “It’s remarkable how such a transformative bill was signed into law so quickly without public input and the myriad impact studies green groups often demand and sue to ensure take place. How was that even possible? “Last week, an investigation by the Associated Press, with assistance from my organization, Power The Future, looked at internal New Mexico government emails around the drafting of their “Energy Transition Act.” “What we found was disturbing. The emails revealed how the state’s energy secretary, Sarah Cottrell Propst, encouraged multiple eco-groups review the bill’s language as it was being written. In one instance, she allowed the group who employed her just months before, a renewable energy trade group called Interwest, to influence the bill. “My organization believes green groups don’t care about the earth, the environment, or even climate change. They care about power. And that is the case in New Mexico. Under the guise of fighting “for the earth” they passed a law guaranteeing income for green energy companies.
“There’s nothing wrong with renewable energy, as long as it competes fairly on the free market. In the plotting between Gov. Grisham, Sec. Propst, Interwest, and radical green groups, no one cared about the people. New Mexico has large oil, gas and coal reserves and these industries employ thousands. The men and women whose jobs are now at risk were not invited to the table. “Nor were the citizens whose utility rates will inevitably skyrocket. Nor were the myriad schools, hospitals, and other civic groups whose funding comes from oil and gas tax revenue. “If politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez get their way, it will be government bureaucrats and environmental activists – not the market, not the people – deciding energy policy. “Americans need to beware. What happened in New Mexico will happen in every state. Eco-groups prefer working in the shadows. “Fortunately, we are on to them. Their tactics are secret no more.”
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