How the Tea Party came to love solar energy

When it comes to renewable energy, it turns out that liberals and conservatives can find common ground

Solar energy
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Steve Marcus))

Last month, I wrote about a proposed Oklahoma law to levy a new fee on those who generate their own energy through solar equipment or wind turbines on their property, and sell it back to the grid.

The law was trumpeted by utility companies — who are big donors to conservative and Republican causes — as well as certain conservative groups, including the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Their argument was that solar users are taking advantage of existing infrastructure, and need to pay for it.

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John Aziz is the economics and business correspondent at TheWeek.com. He is also an associate editor at Pieria.co.uk. Previously his work has appeared on Business Insider, Zero Hedge, and Noahpinion.