2.27.2008 8:43 AM

Duke Energy's Record Global Warming Lobbying

$2.8 Million Included Fight Against Renewable Energy and Carbon Limits

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Photo: David Olah / Istock

By Dan Shapley

Duke Energy Corp., the nation's third-largest* polluter of greenhouse gases, spent a record $2.8 million on lobbying in 2007, as Congress took up a foundational debate about how to confront global warming.

The company's lobbying muscle, according to the company's hometown newspaper, the Charlotte Observer, was used to argue for exemptions on carbon limits for coal-fired power plants, a major source of greenhouse gas pollution. It was also used to argue against requirements, favored by most Democrats but fought off by Republicans, that utilities produce a percentage of their electricity from renewable sources of energy.

The Observer report should come as a clear reminder that companies can talk out of both sides of their mouths, and wallets. Duke Energy has in the past spoken publicly in favor of greenhouse gas caps, and even a carbon tax. It apparently, though, has spent its money making different arguments.

*Tie with AES.

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