US gas utility funds ‘front’ consumer group to fight natural gas bans
SoCalGas funded not-for-profit C4Bes from its launch, paying consultants to establish messaging and recruit board members
America’s largest gas utility is trying to stymie efforts to limit the use of natural gas in California beyond usual corporate lobbying efforts, going so far as to establish and fund a consumer group that pushes for “balanced energy solutions”.
SoCalGas, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy that provides natural gas to nearly 22 million customers in California, says it does not direct the consumer group Californians for Balanced Energy Solutions (C4Bes). But documents show it funded the organization from its launch, paying outside consultants to develop the not-for-profit group, establish “the organization’s messages and themes” and recruit board members.