Exclusive: Walmart Owners Backing Campaigns to Limit Rooftop Solar Power

[grahamhgreen]

In its 2013 annual report, however, the company identifies rooftop solar as a threat to its future profitability.

"We face numerous difficulties in executing our Long Term Strategic Plan," the report says, "including [… ]difficulty in competing against competitors who may gain in profitability and financial strength over time by successfully participating in the global rooftop […] solar market."

"This is not the Walton's saying there's no room for solar in their's or Walmart's future but only solar that's centrally-owned and benefits wealthy investors," says Mitchell. "It's an economic model that says the rest of us don't get to own anything and there's only a few descent, well-paying jobs. It's a model that has been very beneficial to the Walton family."

The solar industry now employs more people than the coal sector and installers earn an average of $24 per hour, according the Solar Foundation, which promotes the solar energy industry.

The Walton family's backing of anti-solar campaigns comes through its grant making as well. Between 2010 and 2013 the Walton Family Foundation (WFF) gave nearly $4.5 million in grants to organizations linked to repeals of state-level renewable energy incentives, including rooftop solar arrays, according to ILSR.

https://news.vice.com/article/exclusive-walmart-owners-backing-campaigns-to-limit-rooftop-solar-power

[napi21]

1. Just another reason I never darken the doors of WM!

The list is very very long and growing. I would have also started a lit of reasons to shop there, but I couldn't think of anything to put on it!

[Wellstone ruled]

2. F---You Walton's and the

horse you road in on.

[Dont call me Shirley]

3. F* Walmart, our country's obstruction to forward growth, F* Waltons

[Vincardog]

4. Does immense wealth steal souls? Why are there obscenely Rich so willing for the peons to die?

[Octafish]

5. Why? Because they own oil stocks.

Rich folk like the returns. Once the oil is gone, they'll figure out someway new to make a buck. Until then, they will allow no one to stand between themselves and their black gold.

[marions ghost]

6. All about the oil

--obstruct anything that might really work well for people.

The Waltons and the Koch brothers have got to be stopped.

[Wounded Bear]

7. WTF?

I thought they were bragging about all the solar panels they were installing on their stores a couple of years ago.

Other than that, this doesn't surprise me.

[colsohlibgal]

8. I Refuse To Shop There

I think the Waltons are scum of the worst kind, greedy scum. When I heard that Wal-Mart executive recently say health care coverage for part timers was too expensive so they were dropping it I though what a con job. How about execs and the Waltons tightening their belt? I'm sure the Walton heir could get by on 50 million less.

I have not been to one in about a decade and will never go there again.