HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MAY 13, 2024 41
Opinion & Commentary
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OTHER VOICES
Countering the influence of fossil fuel interests in clean energy transition
By Joe Curtatone
I
n his recent op-ed, Mike Giaimo,
the regional director for the North-
east at the American Petroleum
Institute, discusses the challenges
faced by Connecticut's energy sector
and argues in favor of including
natural gas and oil in the state's
energy mix.
While Giaimo makes valid points
about the complexity
of energy infrastruc-
ture and supply, his
argument overlooks
important consid-
erations regarding
environmental
sustainability, public health and the
imperative to transition to renewable
energy sources.
Like other states in the region,
Connecticut faces energy-related
issues due to limited local resources
and aging infrastructure. Giaimo
emphasizes the importance of a
comprehensive energy strategy, but
his focus on preserving the status
quo fails to address the urgent
need for a transition toward cleaner,
renewable alternatives.
This perspective ignores the
environmental consequences of
continued reliance on fossil fuels.
The extraction, transportation and
combustion of oil and natural gas
contribute significantly to air and
water pollution, exacerbating climate
change and posing serious health
risks to communities.
In discussing Connecticut's clean
energy future, Giaimo underscores
the challenges of permitting delays
and infrastructure limitations.
However, he overlooks a crucial
aspect: the influence of fossil fuel
interests in obstructing the transition
to clean energy.
Recent revelations show how
certain fossil fuel companies use
deceptive tactics to undermine clean
energy initiatives. In Connecticut and
across New England, well-funded
campaigns backed by fossil fuel
giants have sought to impede the
progress of clean energy projects.
These efforts often involve
spreading misinformation, sowing
doubt and mobilizing opposi-
tion to delay or halt renewable
energy developments.
For instance, NextEra, a major
energy corporation with significant
investments in fossil fuels, was
revealed to have orchestrated a
covert campaign to sabotage the
Clean Energy Corridor project in
Maine. By creating front groups and
funneling dark money into anti-clean
energy propaganda, NextEra aimed
to protect its vested interests in tradi-
tional energy sources.
Similar tactics have been
observed in other clean energy
projects, including wind, solar and
hydroelectric initiatives.
Therefore, Connecticut must remain
vigilant against the undue influence of
fossil fuel entities in shaping energy
policy and project approvals.
Transparency and accountability
mechanisms must be strengthened
to ensure that decisions regarding
energy infrastructure are guided by
the public interest rather than corpo-
rate profit motives.
Moreover, efforts to combat disin-
formation campaigns and promote
factual discourse about clean energy
alternatives are essential in fostering
informed public debate and empow-
ering communities to advocate for
sustainable solutions.
Joe Curtatone is the president of
the Northeast Clean Energy Council
(NECEC), a regional nonprofit
representing clean energy compa-
nies and entrepreneurs throughout
the Northeast.
Joe Curtatone
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