The recent Senate hearing titled “Enter Dragon” raised alarms about potential influence from the Chinese government, specifically regarding the use of American nonprofits to shape energy policy. Experts have suggested that these strategies might jeopardize the reliability of our power grid.
These worries extend beyond just talk; they resonate here in Alabama.
Daniel Tate, who leads Energy Alabama, is often referenced in local news on energy topics and is seen as a voice for green initiatives. However, his advocacy seems to lack the transparency that builds trust, as the organizations he represents don’t openly share details.
His so-called “laboratories” operate without disclosing physical addresses or donor information and aren’t registered as nonprofits in any state.
This raises questions about their funding, which, so far, remain unaddressed.
Investigations by the Campaign for Accountability have linked Tate’s group to Tigercomm, a public relations firm based in one of D.C.’s affluent suburbs.
Tigercomm represents leading solar firms, including Trina Solar, one of the largest solar manufacturers in China. These connections raise concerns that the Institute for Energy & Policy might be advancing China’s interests at the expense of Americans.
Tate’s involvement is crucial since both the Institute for Energy & Policy and Energy Alabama actively engage in shaping national energy policy. They commonly oppose domestic natural gas projects while advocating for quicker adoption of solar and other renewable technologies.
Tate often states, “Solar Plus Battery Storage is the mainstay of the future.” Yet, it’s worth noting that nearly 80% of solar and lithium-ion battery materials are sourced from China. Is it prudent for Alabama’s energy grid to depend on Chinese technology? It may serve Beijing well, but is it truly beneficial for places like Birmingham or other localities?
This doesn’t imply that Alabama should shy away from clean energy. Still, the choices that define our energy future need to be informed by actual facts and the needs of Alabamians—not dictated by pressure from groups with questionable funding and potential foreign ties.
Ensuring Alabama’s energy security should remain a primary concern. The Senate hearing served as a national alert, and it’s vital that we heed its warnings here at home.
With nothing to conceal, there should be no fear. It’s high time Tate and the Institute for Energy & Policy came clean about who funds their initiatives.
Gerald Allen chairs the Alabama Senate Transport and Energy Committee; it represents Alabama’s 21st District, including Tuscaloosa, Pickens and Lamar Counties.
