Lobbying Costs and Changing Tactics

by Paul Chesser, Heartland Institute Correspondent on February 27, 2008

in Politics

Paul Chesser, Climate Strategies Watch

The Charlotte Observer reports today that Duke Energy spent more money last year on lobbying efforts than it ever has at the federal level, mostly to address global warming legislation:

Several carbon dioxide bills that could cost utilities are pending. And Duke and other power companies helped stall measures last year that would force utilities to produce a certain percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources, such as the sun and wind. That electricity is more expensive to produce.

Extra costs from regulation are generally passed on to ratepayers, which utilities say is bad for business….

Duke, the nation's third largest consumer of coal, reported lobbying lawmakers on 31 separate bills last year, 19 of which deal with global warming and ways to battle it.

However, it appears the environmentalists may feel they are losing traction on climate change and may be changing their tactics. Back to mercury, folks!

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