Report that there is an activist group that is making a leap to block the solar power project
Along with wind power, photovoltaic power generation is regarded as one of the most environmentally friendly renewable energies. NPR, an American public radio, has compiled a list of citizen groups that are working to stop solar power projects by arousing the anxiety of local residents.
How misinformation about solar power hinders the fight against climate change : NPR
Roger Hauser, who runs a ranch in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, told NPR, ``I've been raising cattle on this land for three generations, but the cost increases in recent years have made management difficult. On the other hand,” he says. For Mr. Hauser, it was a ferry that the solar company offered to rent the land.
by Ryan Kellman/NPR
The livestock industry
At this time, the citizen group that developed opposition activities jointly with the local group is 'Citizens for Responsible Solar (responsible solar power citizens)'. According to NPR, the tone of Citizens for Responsible Solar, launched in 2019, has much in common with the strategies refined by other activist campaigns against the wind industry, with solar projects in at least 10 states. He said he has supported a local group fighting against.
'It's not a coincidence that the local groups that have popped up are all making the same claims and using the same online campaign materials,' said Michael Berger, executive director of Columbia University's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. I have a feeling,' he said.
Berger also noted that there appears to be a national effort to fuel local opposition to renewable energy, but added: It means that the energy transition needed as a response to the problem has become politicized.'
Citizens for Responsible Solar was founded by Susan Ralston, a consultant who worked for former President George W. Bush and is said to maintain strong ties to conservative political groups. Mr. He has also defended former President Donald Trump's claim that 'the noise of wind turbines can cause cancer,' and has received billions of dollars from Republican advocates who are investors in fossil fuel companies. He is also known for receiving funds. However, Ralston denies that Citizens for Responsible Solar received funding from fossil fuel companies.
Ralston told NPR, 'Citizens for Responsible Solar is a volunteer-led grassroots organization that is not against solar power, but construction projects on farmland and forests.' .
Contrary to Mr. Ralston's claims, industry analysts point out that ``Citizens for Responsible Solar spreads misinformation about health and environmental risks online and fuels opposition to the solar business.'' For example, the website of Citizens for Responsible Solar says that ``solar power generation is an unreliable energy source,'' but in reality, ``it is possible to provide a stable supply of electricity even with renewable energy through the development of a power grid.'' According to
In addition, in response to the claim that ``large-scale solar power generation projects in rural areas will destroy the land and cause climate change,'' he said, ``Solar panels reduce carbon dioxide per unit area more than trees. There is an opposite survey result that is large.
Of course, such concerns are justified, as solar projects, like any large-scale project, could well have negative impacts on the local community. But the problem with groups like Citizens for Responsible Solar is that they are misinforming local landowners against renewables.
According to data released in 2022 by the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, 121 local policies aimed at blocking or restricting renewable energy development have been proposed in the United States, up 18% from the previous year. It is said that it is increasing in
“This kind of misinformation is very difficult to correct,” said Ronald Myers, director of renewable energy facility siting projects at Virginia Tech. I am afraid,' he said.
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