Koch brothers and big utilities campaign to unplug solar power

[TomCADem]

If you ever wonder what is the end game for the Koch brothers and why they and other right wing billionaires are investing millions to turn the Senate red, it all comes down to the bottom line:

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/topoftheticket/la-na-tt-koch-brothers-and-solar-power-20140422-story.html

The Koch brothers have a new ploy to protect the traditional energy business that helped make them the planet’s fifth- and sixth-richest humans. They are funding a campaign to shackle solar energy consumers who have escaped the grip of big electric utilities.

Of all the pro-business, anti-government causes they have funded with their billions, this may be the most cynical and self-serving. On Sunday, a Los Angeles Times story by Evan Halper outlined the Koch’s latest scheme. Along with anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist, several major power companies and a national association representing conservative state legislators, the brothers are aiming to kill preferences for the burgeoning solar power industry that have been put into law in dozens of states. Kansas, North Carolina and Arizona are their first targets, with more to come.

They already have their first victory. On Monday, Oklahoma’s Republican Gov. Mary Fallin signed a bill passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature that authorizes electric utilities to tack a surcharge on the bills of private citizens who have installed solar panels or wind turbines on their homes. That’s right, Oklahomans who have spent money to generate their own clean and green power now must pay compensation to the power companies.

This sounds a bit like government trampling on the independence of the citizenry. You’d think the tea party would be protesting and militia groups would be riding in with guns drawn. But since it is Republicans and big business doing the trampling, there is, as yet, no outcry from the libertarian crowd.

[pangaia]

1. turn the Senate Blue?

[TomCADem]

2. Doh....

...good catch. Fixed.

[pangaia]

3. Whew!

Good thing I'm awake. eh...

[yourout]

4. Here in Wisconsin Alliant Energy wants to lower the charge per KW but raise the meter fee....

and guess who that will hurt?

[Pharaoh]

6. And the Koch brothers are behind that..

You can bet on it!!

[KeepItReal]

5. They are punishing people for using less power-company generated electricity

Damn.

Oklahoma is effed up.

[cantbeserious]

7. Wait - I Thought The Republicans Were In Favor Of Energy Independence

Ah, I See, They Favor The Independence To Charge US Exorbitant Fees.

[appalachiablue]

8. On a lighter note have you seen "THE KOCH SISTERS" VIDEO?

Two nice ladies, Not sisters, recruited for an election video this fall by AFL-CIO I think.
From union and teacher families, N.J and Michigan/Ohio (?). Their names really are Koch but no relation.

[blkmusclmachine]

9. ,

,

[Doctor_J]

10. A force of evil is now in control of the country.

We are going to need to either get used to it, or get really dirty purging them. Complaining and voting for the current batch of candidates is useless - the only thing it provides is amusement for our captors.