Gwinnett Daily Post | POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Conservatives disagree on solar power issue

While one conservative group plans a rally against solar mandates, leaders of another group support using the alternative energy source.

Americans For Prosperity-Georgia, the local chapter of a premier grassroots organization for promoting economic freedom, will host a “Keep The Lights On In GA!” energy freedom press conference at 11 a.m. Thursday at the State Capitol to urge the Public Service Commission to “Vote no” on solar energy mandates at their meeting scheduled for later in the day.

“We are gathering to oppose renewable energy mandates in Georgia that have proven to raise electricity bills and reduce energy reliability in other states around the country,” said Joel Aaron, spokesman of the Georgia chapter. “The Public Service Commissioner has an opportunity to avoid a mandate that could needlessly hurt both rate payers and tax payers in Georgia. It’s time for Georgia to send a strong message that we are for energy freedom, not further government intrusion into the private sector such as the President’s recent declaration against cheap, reliable fossil fuels and the jobs they create.”

While Aaron said tea party leaders would join in the event, a couple of local tea party activists have said Americans for Prosperity is misleading its members.

Julianne Thompson, the Buford woman who is a leader of the Atlanta Tea Party Patriots, said that solar should be given a platform to compete against other energy sources so that competition can drive down rates.

“Solar can now compete head-to-head with coal and other fossil fuels,” Thompson said. “All we’re asking for is that the Georgia Public Service Commission consider all energy sources to help ratepayers long-term.”

via Gwinnett Daily Post | POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Conservatives disagree on solar power issue.