Fossil fuel ties exposed in Ohio solar opposition group

Testimony has revealed that an anti-solar group in Ohio, claiming to be grassroots, is heavily funded by a prominent figure in the natural gas industry.

Kathiann M. Kowalski reports for Energy News Network.

In short:

• Jared Yost, leader of Knox Smart Development, admitted a major donor is linked to the natural gas industry.
• The group's funding contradicts its claims of being a local grassroots organization opposing solar energy projects.
• The case highlights how misinformation can be spread under the guise of community activism to oppose renewable energy.

Key quote:

“No one has ever tried to direct me in any way with my opposition to this project. I am nobody’s ‘puppet’.”

— Jared Yost, leader of Knox Smart Development

Why this matters:

The fossil fuel industry's covert funding of local opposition groups can mislead communities and hinder the adoption of renewable energy, posing challenges for the clean energy transition critical to addressing climate change.

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