OccupyForum presents… Fossil Fuel Monopolies

Fossil Fuel Monopolies or Community Choice Energy?

Our Path to Renewables is Under Attack!

with Eric Brooks



Although carbon emissions are rising faster than efforts to curtail them, there are glimmers of hope. A growing number of networks – including cities, states, regions and even markets – are working together to implement climate plans. And costs of renewable energy, such as solar, wind, geothermal, cogeneration (and efficiency programs) are falling so quickly that large-scale deployment is practical. The public is ready to rally on climate change. It is now up to policymakers and industry to answer the call.



But as usual, fossil fuel monopolies and their henchmen are stalling. Community Choice Energy, (allowing local jurisdictions to offer energy-efficiency programs, develop local renewable energy resources, and buy clean wholesale electricity to sell to local residents and businesses) is being held hostage by large corporate incumbent utilities fighting tooth and nail to hang onto their business. Their efforts include disinformation campaigns, pitting ratepayers against each other, confusing ballot initiatives, and false “studies” of the grid’s capacity to handle solar, leaving Clean Energy’s prospective clients in limbo.



Yet Clean (renewable) Energy is burgeoning. The recent Intersolar North America Exhibition at Moscone Ctr. hosted approximately 600 exhibitors and 18,000 attendees, with a world-class exhibition of solar and wind solutions from across the globe, demonstrating the switch.



Meanwhile, in California, AB 2145, (a bill currently under consideration in the state’s legislature) would effectively prevent Community Choice energy programs in the state as the

Big 3 corporate utilities (PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E) and SF’s own Mayor Ed Lee attempt to crush Community Choice. Come to OccupyForum to learn about the political pressure against AB2145 and the push to implement the real fight to save the planet.



http://www.no2145.org/

https://www.facebook.com/noab2145?hc_location=timeline

http://www.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/10-years-on-cleanpowersf-still-flickering/Content?oid=2719070



Q&A and Announcements to follow. Donations to OccupyForum gladly accepted; no one turned away!