Stacy Mitchell

October 9, 2014

The Walton family — majority owners of Walmart — are impeding America’s transition to a clean energy future, a new study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) finds.  At a time when more than 500,000 households and businesses are generating their own solar electricity, and the U.S. solar industry is employing 143,000 people, the Waltons are funding nearly two dozen organizations working to roll back renewable energy policies, while a Walton-owned company is pushing for regulations aimed at hindering the growth of rooftop solar power.

Rooftop solar — which is spreading rapidly thanks to favorable economics and strong state policies — offers a tremendous opportunity to accelerate the transition to renewable power, save money for households, and create tens of thousands of new jobs.

Because it’s revolutionizing who owns and profits from electricity generation, rooftop solar is seen as threat by many utilities and fossil fuel companies.  They are now campaigning in multiple states to weaken policies that enable rooftop solar. They have begun to score wins, including a victory in Arizona, where regulators granted the state’s largest utility, APS, the right to impose fees on households with rooftop solar.  Since then, rooftop installations have fallen by 40 percent.  Arizona is now one of only five states where the number of solar jobs is actually declining.

While journalists have begun to expose the powerful interests, including the Koch brothers, behind these campaigns, the involvement of another wealthy family — the Waltons, heirs to the Walmart fortune and majority owners of the company’s stock — has gone unnoticed. This report finds:

• Since 2010, the Waltons have donated $4.5 million to more than 20 organizations, including the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), Americans for Prosperity, and the American Enterprise Institute, which are leading the state campaigns against clean energy.
• A Walton-owned solar company, First Solar, was instrumental in helping APS win in Arizona, backing the utility even as the rest of the solar industry joined environmental and consumer groups in opposing the new fees. First Solar builds solar arrays for utilities and, as such, stands to benefit if households are blocked from generating their own electricity, even if it means slowing the overall growth of solar.
• First Solar also helped instigate a World Trade Organization proceeding that could force several U.S. states to repeal laws that use solar incentives to spur local job creation. First Solar does most of its manufacturing in Malaysia.

The findings of this report are significant in part because of what’s at stake for our energy system. This report also offers an instructive case study of the complexities of contemporary green-washing.

“The Waltons claim to have a deep commitment to sustainability, but their support for anti-solar initiatives tells a different story. The Waltons are investing in efforts that both undercut clean energy and prevent average Americans from benefitting economically from solar power,” said Stacy Mitchell, a senior researcher at ILSR and author of the new report.

In a report released last year, ILSR found that since the Waltons and their flagship enterprise, Walmart, publicly embraced environmentalism in 2005, Walmart’s self-reported greenhouse gas emissions have grown by 14 percent and the company was generating only 4 percent of its power from wind and solar, despite pledging to go 100 percent renewable.  (That share has since dropped to 3 percent.)  ILSR’s 2013 report also found that both Walmart’s and the Walton family’s political donations heavily favor lawmakers who oppose legislation to reduce climate pollution.

Several leading environmentalists offered perspective on the findings of the new report.

“Rooftop solar in the U.S. is growing exponentially and more and more Americans have access to affordable solar power that cuts their energy bills and builds a more sustainable energy future. Yet, the Waltons’ money is instead limiting average Americans’ ability to go solar and control their own energy future,” said Erich Pica, president of Friends of the Earth and an expert on tax and budget policies that spark a transition to clean energy.

“Arizona is one of the country’s leaders in solar, with more solar per person than any other state.  Just as solar is poised to take off, the Waltons’ funding is restricting our ability to put solar on our homes, businesses, schools, and churches, and the Waltons’ own solar company is actually fighting against the growth of the rooftop solar industry,” said Russell Lowes, founder and research director of SafeEnergyAnalyst.org, which provides technical assistance to Arizona homeowners and businesses moving to renewable energy sources.

 

To read this full article, as published by the LISR click here

To sign an online petition to ‘Tell the Walton Family: Stop Your Hypocritical Undercover Campaign to Destroy Rooftop Solar” click here

Other references:

PV Magazine: Walmart’s Mixed Record on Solar and Renewable Energy

Vice News: Exclusive: Walmart Owners Backing Campaigns to Limit Rooftop Solar Power

Fall 2014 Newsletter: Citizens for Local Power has been as busy as ever.  Here’s brief update about a energy initiatives that we think will be of interest to you.

Community Choice Aggregation:  CLP is organizing an important initiative to allow municipalities to lower electricity costs, use a cleaner energy supply,  and develop local generation assets that will boost resiliency and economic development.  Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) is a power procurement model that allows local governments to pool the electric load of their residents, businesses, and institutions in order to purchase electricity on their behalf.   CCA currently exists in six states, and plans are being made now to bring it to New York.  CLP is hosting a forum for municipal officials and interested others on

 

Monday, September 29, 7 – 9 pm

“Taking Control of Our Energy Supply: Community Choice Aggregation for Municipalities”

SUNY/Ulster College Lounge, VAN 203 in Stone Ridge.

The event is co-sponsored by the Ulster County Association for Supervisors and Mayors, the Ulster County Planning Department, Citizens for Local Power, and Catskill Mountainkeeper.  Speakers include the man who invented CCA almost 20 years ago in Massachusetts, and administrators of the Cape Light Compact (the nation’s first CCA, with 21 towns and 2 counties) and other existing CCAs such as the city of Lowell, MA.  Please save the date for this informational forum.  A flier is attached.

Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) for NY State:   In April, the NY State Public Service Commission (PSC) convened a proceeding to Reform the Energy Vision of NY State.  CLP has actively participated in the REV process, serving on committees and subcommittees for markets and microgrids, consumer engagement, and platform technologies – learning as we went.  Recently the PSC released its “Straw Proposal” for the REV for comment.  CLP is consulting with area clean energy providers, unions, and others to ensure our comments are well-informed and incorporate the perspective of key stakeholders.  For the PSC’s “Straw Proposal” and CLP’s response to the original proposal, see here. Documents # 109 (Straw Proposal} and 76 (Citizens for Local Power’s initial filing in response to policy questions).

Energy Improvement Corporation (EIC):  Your help is needed to encourage Legislators in Ulster and Dutchess Counties to pass Local Laws to create the Energy Improvement Corporation (EIC), which allows area businesses and multi-family dwellings to finance energy retrofits and solar installations and pay it back on their tax bill with the savings that accrue from their energy improvements.  Called Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), this financing system is enabled by NYS Law and has been adopted by Westchester towns and by Orange County.   Copies of the Local Law, key talking points and letters of support are available upon request to .   Here’s a link to your reach your Ulster or Dutchess County Legislator.

Unified Solar Permitting:  Right now, NYSERDA is offering municipalities a $2,500 incentive to adopt the Unified Solar Permit, which was developed as part of the New York Sun Initiative to expand solar energy throughout the state. Rosendale adopted the permit in May of this year.  Rosendale’s resolution, permit, and CFA application are available upon request to .  The permit will help ensure the safety of rooftop systems, while also removing a barrier to solar expansion posed by differing permitting requirements across New York’s many municipalities.  It will send a clear signal to the solar industry that your town or city is open for solar business!  As a Town Council member, Jen completed the CFA application for Rosendale, and it was quite easy.  For additional information from NYSERDA, click here.

Sunday, Sept. 21, is the PEOPLE’S CLIMATE MARCH in NYC.   For more info:  http://peoplesclimate.org/march/or call (845) 943-9617.   A bus from New Paltz organized by Climate Action Coalition will depart in the early morning of the march; returning early evening.  Tickets: $20 ($10 student/low income).  Send check to: New Paltz Climate Action, PO Box 671, New Paltz, NY 12561.  Include name, phone, e-mail and number of people.  Or by rail:  Lower Hudson People’s Climate March MetroNorth train leaving from Poughkeepsie at 8:45 a.m.; Beacon at 9:12; Cold Spring 9:20; Garrison 9:24 and Croton 9:49; arrive Grand Central at 10:41.  Go to first 3 cars and bring signs and banners — but nothing on wood.

Hudson Valley New Capacity Zone (NCZ):  The NCZ is in effect, but the NYS Public Service Commission and Central Hudson/Fortis are seeking to have the decision overturned by the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.  Oral arguments are being heard by the Circuit Court on September 12, and a decision is expected soon thereafter on whether or not this rate increase to the Mid-Hudson counties north of NYC will stand.The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) required the NY Independent System Operators (NYISO) to propose a means to attract new generating capacity into the Hudson Valley, as a means of providing additional electricity (for which the need is questionable).   So far, the NCZ capacity charge has been paying regional fossil fuel and nuclear power plants more to deliver the same dirty and dangerous power they already have on line, will pay Cricket Valley more to generate electricity from hydrofracked gas, and has incentivized Danskammer to come back on line, retrofitting from coal to gas.  The owners of Danskammer are now asking for a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) for this – yet another example of corporate welfare!   In the meantime the NCZ has done nothing to promote the much needed transition to a Green Energy Economy, powered by fuel-free renewables, energy efficiency and demand response, but has put our electricity rates up with absolutely no public benefit.

Pipelines and Power Lines:    The proposed Pilgrim Pipeline will run parallel to the NY State Thruway (I-87) through the center of Ulster County, carrying fracked Bakken crude oil to refineries in New Jersey.  The project is still in the early stages, and well organized opposition is needed, as it is for the rail and barge options and the proposed crude oil transfer stations in Albany and New Windsor.  Running west to east across the Hudson from Stony Point to Verplanck, the Algonquin Pipeline Expansion will run one-half mile to the south of Indian Point and expand from the present 26-inch diameter to a 42-inch pipeline.  Investment in this fossil fuel infrastructure represents resources NOT being invested in clean energy alternatives and delays the achievement of state and federal goals.  NYS’ Renewable Portfolio Standard is 30% by 2020; 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.   It’s time to ensure our capital is invested in achieving this goal, not expanding fossil fuel combustion and our greenhouse gas footprint.  (A backgrounder on the Pilgrim Pipeline is attached to this Newsletter.)

Transmission Lines.  The Public Service Commission is holding a proceeding to rank the various transmission line proposals requested initially by the Governor’s Energy Highway Plan, and passing through Dutchess or, alternatively, Ulster County.  Thanks to lots of opposition on the ground, the PSC has stipulated that new towers must be within an existing right-of-way.  The upgrades are being opposed by local groups in Dutchess County.   For more information on the PSC Matter:  Alternating Current Transmission Upgrades – Comparative Proceeding; Case/Matter Number – 13-E-0488/13-02212  please click here.  To connect with opposition groups, click here.

Central Hudson Rate Case.  Believe it or not, Central Hudson Fortis has already filed to raise electricity and gas rates again.  The increases will become effective in June 2016.  Cenrtal Hudson Fortis is asking for hefty increases based in part on the “catch-up effect” created by the two-year rate freeze the company accepting during our fight against the Fortis takeover.  Citizens for Local Power is a party to the rate case.  CLP’s objective is to protect local communities and environment, taking every opportunity to move toward creation of a locally-based clean energy economy.

We hope you enjoy the rest of this beautiful summer.  Watch for the CLP website, which is in development and will be posted soon.

Sincerely,

Jessica Barry, Betta Broad, Susan Gillespie, Manna Jo Greene, Kelleigh McKenzie, Dawn Meola, Jen Metzger, Jess Scott, and Amy Trompetter.

Citizens for Local Power

(845) 489-0830

Thurs Sept 18,7-8:30pm — Screening of “Groundswell Rising” in Rye, NY. Discussion featuring the filmmakers will follow the film and will also include local and regional update and action steps. $5 suggested donation. 260 Stuyvesant Avenue, Rye, New York 10580  •  914-967-6080

For details see www.wainwright.org.

For other Hudson Valley Climate Justice Events: Between now and September 21, there are almost daily events going on to focus our community conversation on climate justice issues in the Hudson Valley, and connect the dots between these local concerns and the September 21 March. Check out the entire event calendar here: peoplesclimate.org/hudsonvalley/events/

 

Kingston, New York, September 4, 2014 — This week, a fleet of full-scale paper boats is continuing a voyage down the Hudson River, charting a course from upstate New York to New York City in a convergence of art and activism to coincide with the meeting of world leaders at the United Nations Climate Summit. Tomorrow evening, the fleet will stop  in Kingston for a riverfront party for climate justice, where representatives will make themselves available for interviews with press.

WHAT:  SeaChange: We All Live Downstream is a participatory voyage down the Hudson River in small boats made of paper to navigate climate change, call for action to stem it, and engage communities in claiming the water as a commons. The boats will stop in Hudson for a riverfront party for climate justice, with boats built by the Hudson Sloop Club Campers from Kite’s Nest, music, puppet shows, and games.

EVENTS:

5:30 – 9:00: Sign-UP for the Kingston, Saugerties, Woodstock bus to the People’s Climate March on Sunday September 21st 2014 in New York City, $24 round-trip! Checks accepted, credit cards online!

For more info: Call Annabelle Vinois, (845) 443-0880 or

5:30 – 6:00: SeaChange Crew arrives in Paper Boats with a welcome-in by the Rosendale Improvement Association Brass Band and Social Club; music and dance.

6:00 – 7:00: The Cantestoria: A participatory based gorilla theater speaking about the People’s Climate March and the local effects on Kingston, New York. A participatory performance through art, song, and rhythm.

Potluck: Bring food and drinks to share with others and with the SeaChange Crew, meet your local community members at the docks near the maritime museum, for more information contact Daniel. J.  Helmer at (845) 235-6528 or e-mail:

7:00 – 8:00: Sea Shanty songs with the Kingston Sea Shanty Singers, a sing-along participatory Sea Shanty celebration for the river and presentations with the SeaChange members on Crude Oil, Tarsands, meeting the crew and discovering their personal stories and opportunities to connect, plug-in locally, regionally, nationally and continue the just-transition!

8:00 – 9:00: Information on the United Nations Climate Summit, Local busing and transportation to the People’s Climate March and general information, where, when, why? on the People’s Climate March on Sunday, September 21st, 2014, New York City. Come join us, all are welcome!

 WHO:  SeaChange is an initiative of the Brooklyn-based boatbuilding collective Mare Liberum and the global climate change activism network 350.org.  They will be joined by local groups and businesses like Kite’s Nest, Hudson Sloop Club, and Jane’s Ice Cream. Representatives from the SeaChange voyage will be available to speak with press.

 WHEN & WHERE:The party will take place tomorrow, September 5, from 5:30 pm to 9pm at the Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston, New York.

VISUALS:A fleet of paper boats with signs and banners; a large crowd gathered for live music and puppet shows.

SeaChange: We All Live Downstream engages with local residents along the Hudson, stopping in 13 towns along a 160-mile path over two weeks, to lift up stories of community resistance to proposed fossil fuel infrastructure while building local resilience for the effects of human-caused climate change. The voyage will culminate in a circumnavigation of the island of Manhattan, and a Boat Bloc on the East River in support of the People’s Climate March. SeaChange echoes the need to remain afloat despite rising sea levels, and the role of art in finding solutions that build community out of the global climate crisis.

INVITATION: Come one! Come All! The journey down the Hudson is here! Paddle for Climate and Climate Justice. The SeaChange team invites all to not only participate on the land-based events but also to come on the water! 

You may join in at any point along the way down the river; paddle and be seafaring journeyers, bring your boat, your kayak, canoe or paddleboard: all are invited to take the journey, be it for a moment or a span of days, or even all the way to the lovely New York, New York, landing in Manhattan on the 14th of September to welcome the UN Climate Summit delegates and journey to the People’s Climate March on September 21st!

Bring your boat or a friend, or both, make a journey for your part in speaking for Climate, People and Planet.

For more information please contact Daniel J. Helmer at: or call at (845) 235-6528.

This is an invitation to change everything.

In September, world leaders are coming to New York City for a UN summit on the climate crisis. UN Secretary­ General Ban Ki-­moon is urging governments to support an ambitious global agreement to dramatically reduce global warming pollution.

With our future on the line and the whole world watching, we’ll take a stand to bend the course of history. We’ll take to the streets to demand the world we know is within our reach: a world with an economy that works for people and the planet; a world safe from the ravages of climate change; a world with good jobs, clean air and water, and healthy communities.

To change everything, we need everyone on board.
Sunday, September 21 in New York City. Join us.

Sign up now  – or read Our Power Campaign’s powerful call to action, Bill McKibben’s invitation in Rolling Stone, or Eddie Bautista’s piece in Earth Island Journal.

Esopus solar array makes enough electricity to make town energy independent
By William J. Kemble at the Daily Freeman

ESOPUS >> Town Board members on have approved a memorandum of agreement with Central Hudson on terms that will let a planned 1 megawatt solar array put enough electricity into the grid to make the municipality energy independent.

The agreement was discussed during a meeting Monday, when Supervisor John Coutant said the documents described the accounts that would be credited when generating electricity from the transfer station on Floyd Ackert Road.

“This is used to put the calculations together for the last round of communications with (installation contractors) Sun Edison of California,” he said. “Next will be coming the contracts for us to review and take to the attorney about the actual installation project itself, which I expect to happen in the next couple or three weeks.”

The contract with Sun Edison is expected to call for construction of a 5,200-panel solar array on 4.5 acres.

Esopus currently has 62 percent of electric costs for Town Hall paid through an 80 kilowatt solar array installed four years ago on Town Hall property. Town officials now hope to have a system that will offset the cost of electricity used by the Highway Department, Water and Sewer Department, and street lights.

“(Consultant Randolph Horner) came in and took every one of the Central Hudson accounts that we pay and got the numbers off them,” said Coutant.

The project is estimated to cost $3 million but paid for by a developer who is reimbursed based on the cost of electricity before ultimately turning ownership of the system over to the town. Horner said the town is expected to become the first municipality in the state that generates has much electricity as it uses.

Horner last month said Sun Edison has been approved for $700,000 in grant funding through the New York State Energy Research Development Authority.

“The (U.S) Environmental Protection Agency has a program … advocating for using closed landfills and old industrial sites called brownfields to site solar where the land can’t be used for anything else,” he said.

“They have in hand that subsidy to apply,” Horner said. “It’s been awarded and assigned … to put with their financing to make a $3 million system work.”

For more information on this sotry read the full Daily Freeman article here.

The Tivoli Solar Energy Conference
September 9, 2014 – 7 PM – Tivoli Village Hall

Tired of seeing your energy bills go up with no end in sight?

Learn how you can save money, save energy, lower your electric bill AND help to preserve the environment.

On September 9th the Green Committee for the Village of Tivoli will be hosting a solar energy conference. There will be presentations from solar energy providers in the area and information on how you can receive energy grants from NY State. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions. Refreshments will be served. Free to all.

For more information see the event listing in Chronogram.