Here's what we know so far about Rick Perry's fake power grid study – and it isn't good

By now, you’re well aware of the Trump administration’s blitzkrieg against America’s bedrock environmental laws, but there’s also a parallel assault under way against clean energy that is only now beginning to get attention.

The target for this campaign is the U.S. Department of Energy under the leadership of former Texas governor Rick Perry. Just this week, we learned that President Trump wants to cut the agency’s renewable and energy efficiency program by nearly 70 percent in his 2018 budget.

This request, coincidentally, comes on the heels of Secretary Perry’s call for a 60-day “study” into whether any renewables policies or regulations have led to the premature retirement of coal or nuclear plants.

Like many others in the clean energy business, I’m concerned this so-called study is an attempt to cook the books in favor of the administration’s broader pro-coal agenda.  You don’t have to be a DOE rocket scientist to put the pieces together.

Here are five reasons Perry’s study serves a purpose other than to find facts:

1. Not how real studies are done

First off, 60 days is barely enough time to fill job vacancies in a new administration, much less sufficient to conduct a thorough analysis of America’s complex energy policies.

This study is not about evidence or science, but about reinforcing the offense against America’s rapidly growing clean energy economy – and possibly about undermining state renewable energy portfolios.

2. Grid reliability concerns a non-issue

Perry’s electric grid study has nothing to do with reliability of critical energy services. The “grid reliability” angle has been studied relentlessly by grid operators and government agencies around the country, and the grid is handling coal’s decline just fine.

How? Because cleaner and more diverse energy sources such as wind, solar, demand response and natural gas are seamlessly taking coal’s place.

It’s telling that Perry used the same argument about grid reliability a decade ago when he tried to fast-track new coal plants in Texas. Of course, Texas went on to become the nation’s largest producer of wind energy – in spite of Perry.

3. Ex-industry lobbyist will lead study

Consider Perry’s staff at the DOE and what it says about the secretary’s agenda. It’s a who’s who of the fossil fuel industry lobby.

His Chief of Staff Brian McCormack, who will manage the grid reliability study, came to the DOE from the Edison Electric Institute – the lobby group for utilities and a fierce opponent of renewable energy.

4. National security “risk” a well-timed fable

Perry has argued, without any evidence, that some state policies that encourage fuels other than coal could be a national security risk and should therefore be studied. Scott Pruitt, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency chief, recently seconded this fable.

Suggesting that coal makes America safer may look like a clever tactic. The problem is, it just isn’t true.

This tack also represents a 180 for Perry and Pruitt who, until recently, served as top state officials who ferociously attacked the federal government, citing state sovereignty. My guess: McCormack will find a way to work national security into DOE’s grid study.

5. Study is part of a bigger, darker scheme

Today, there are more than 3 million clean energy jobs in America, more than twice the number of jobs in fossil fuel extraction and electricity generation.

Besides creating new jobs, cleaner energy will also result in fewer asthma attacks, fewer health problems for elderly Americans and a less polluted future – all of which will benefit our nation’s economy.

The Trump administration may look chaotic, especially this week. But its actions suggest it’s meticulously and unapologetically laying the groundwork for four years of pro-coal policy, of which Perry’s so-called study will undoubtedly be a building block.

Doesn't give a care about people, only his rich friends and other questionable ones. To heck with clear air or water or a good environment. Just a self-centered Trump yes man.

Worker-owned alternative energy companies are what is needed.

The cutting of funding for renewable energy and the increase in fossil fuel power generation is a great reason to begin buying solar panels, hydrogen generating plants, hydroelectric generators, and anything alternative energy minded! Those things are sure to be taxed out of existence whenever possible. Furthermore, we need to start a letter-writing, phone-call barrage on Congress and the White House, demanding that this assault on renewable energy be stopped!

I'm certain that there's going to be cutting of funding, fines and taxes, and laws passed against any kind of alternative energy sources or usage, at the state levels also! It won't be open for discussion, broadcast on the news, or widely understood... The media is going to be on task, I'd imagine, but this administration will likely hide what they're doing before long. Be vigilant, be vocal...

If you integrate solar into individual building design, grids become obsolete.
So do power companies.

You sure can see who is profiting from the continued use of fossil fuels. Why in God's name would anyone be against wind and solar power? An idiot, that's who.

This is ridiculous. Other countries are powering ahead with renewable and he and his bidding want to take us back to the 1950's. Not only is our country getting left behind as the rest of the world advances, renewables are the way to energy independence. Large, interconnected grid systems lead to expensive energy monopolies, while locally sourced renewable energy is less likely to be successfully hacked on a widespread basis. He is just another big energy shill.

Why are they always trying to go backwards instead of thinking about the air and how clean it is now. Rick Perry and Donald Trump are old guys and they don't care about the people. Only lining their pockets and there rich buddies' pockets, too.

Thank you, Jim... Sober, informed, and useful.