/Wmaster890 via Getty Images
Why companies are fighting for stricter energy laws
By Amanda Schupak | Huffpost
The fossil fuel industry has historically steered American energy and environmental policy. Now, retail and technology companies are grabbing at the wheel.
Corporations are making big pledges to cut emissions or go carbon free, in part by powering their operations with electricity generated from renewable sources like wind and solar. Hundreds of companies, including Apple, Ikea, Facebook, Google and Danone have committed to going 100% renewable.
“There is real corporate interest in getting renewables, not just for PR purposes and reputational enhancement, but also based on economics and eco-efficiency,” said Zdravka Tzankova, an associate professor at Vanderbilt University who studies environmental policy.
“It is clear that corporate America is embracing renewable energy at a faster rate than policymakers in some places. For example, in Arizona, our renewable energy standard is extremely low, yet there are still some who think we should do away with it altogether. Doing so would be devastating for Arizona as economic development hinges on the ability of our state to provide low cost renewable energy to the companies of the future. It would be wise for Arizona to signal to the world and to companies looking to bring jobs to the state, that it is on the front edge of this renewable energy transition.”
– Court Rich, Dept. of Renewable Energy Director, Co-Founder
