FTM: The Energy Foundation, Part 5

In this final Follow the Money post on The Energy Foundation, I contemplate the fate of Japan.  As everyone knows, the nuclear crisis in Japan is having profound implications on that country and its economy.

Bloomberg reports today, in the context of the impact on the Japanese auto industry, that 15 percent of Japan's electric generating capacity is off-line and Tokyo is subject to rolling blackouts, in the wake of the crippling earthquake and tsunami earlier this month.

While we do have nuclear power here in Minnesota, we are more dependent on coal, which accounts for about half of our power.  Which brings us back to The Energy Foundation and their searchable grants database,

"Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (St. Paul, MN) $48,000, Grant Period: Dec, 2009 – Nov, 2010, To oppose existing coal in Minnesota."

We can agree or disagree on whether new coal plants are a good idea.  However, there can be no disagreement that lives and livelihoods are dependent on coal power in this state.  How can an organization, in good conscience, go after the most critical part of our energy infrastructure?