Nurturing the UK Microgeneration Industry
June 2, 2009
Most people would agree that developing and encouraging methods of producing the energy we need in a way that is sustainable and doesn’t harm the environment is a good thing. Reports from the USA last month were a timely reminder of the practical obstacles – and of what supporters of renewable energy in the UK need to be wary of. Groups in the USA with vested interests in preserving the status quo are investing massive amounts in PR and lobbyists in an effort to delay or head off entirely the movement of America to a low carbon economy.
On one side, lobbying groups with close ties to the oil industry are claiming that ordinary families could be worse off by thousands of dollars if the US signs up to limiting greenhouse gas emissions and making polluters pay whilst on the other, pro environmental groups such as Al Gores Alliance for Climate Protection claim exactly the opposite.
The size of the campaign being mounted by the anti change interests is huge – reports indicate that Americas coal, oil and gas industries are spending hundreds of millions of dollars being spent on industry front groups, lobbying firms, tv, print and radio ads as well as donations to pivotal members of congress. These groups have increased their PR budgets by 50%, spending $44.5 million dollars since Obama came to the White House in January according to a body which monitors the effect of money on US politics.
The problem is that this is a David and Goliath battle. Exxon alone declared an expenditure of $9 Billion on lobbying congress during the first quarter of 2009 whilst The Nature Conservancy (by far the biggest spender on lobbying amongst environment groups) spent $850,000.
The timing is crucial since a UN debate aimed at getting agreement from other countries in December 2009 will pay close attention to what has or has not been agreed already by America.
Only yesterday a fund raising appeal arrived via email from US site http://moveon.org/ asking for donations to help redress this balance.
The UK often mirrors the US - so it’s almost certain that what we are seeing in the US is being played out here in the UK as well. It is crucial that the UK puts measures in place to ensure that the emerging renewables industry is protected from the vested interests at least until it’s well established enough to fight its own corner. It is also crucial that the Government ensures people have access to independent sources of clear, unambiguous information that enable them to make informed decisions on the facts.
Posted in microgeneration
