Lobbyists prove influential in RI energy debate
At least $400,000 has been spent on lobbying this year by corporations with a stake in the debate as lawmakers hash out deals between power developers, energy suppliers and labor unions.
That's double the amount spent on such lobbying in 2005. That was before Governor Don Carcieri set a goal of providing 20 percent of the state's electricity needs through renewable resources.
Some Rhode Island lawmakers, including Senator J. Michael Lenihan, an East Greenwich Democrat, say work by lobbyists helps them make an educated vote on complicated legislation.
But others, such as Rep. Laurence Ehrhardt, a North Kingstown Republican, object to what they say are closed-door compromises and last-minute deal-making.
Related News
Yukon receives funding for new wind turbines
DESTRUCTION BAY, YUKON - Kluane First Nation in Yukon will receive a total of $3.1 million in funding from the federal government to install and operate wind turbines that will help reduce the community’s diesel reliance.
According to a release, the community will integrate three 100-kilowatt turbines in Destruction Bay, Yukon, providing a renewable energy source for their local power grid that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create local jobs.
A $2-million investment from Natural Resources Canada came from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program, part of the Government of Canada’s Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. Crown-Indigenous Relations’…
