A recent U.S. Senate hearing – “Enter the Dragon” – raised alarms about the Chinese government using U.S. nonprofits to shape American energy policy. Experts warned the strategy could weaken the reliability of our power grid.
These concerns aren’t just national – they hit home right here in Alabama.
Daniel Tait leads Energy Alabama and works for the Energy & Policy Institute. He’s frequently quoted in Alabama news stories about energy, often treated as a trusted advocate for green policies. But trust requires openness, and the groups he speaks for offer very little of it.
Mr. Tait’s so-called “Institute” operates without transparency. It does not disclose a physical address or donor list. It isn’t registered as a non-profit in any state.
There have been questions regarding who funds this organization that remain unanswered.
Reporting by the Campaign for Accountability has linked Mr. Tait’s “Institute” to Tigercomm, a public relations firm in one of the newly wealthy suburbs of Washington, D.C.
Tigercomm represents major solar companies, including Trina Solar – one of China’s largest and most influential solar-panel manufacturers. Taken together, these ties suggest the Energy & Policy Institute may be advancing Chinese interests at the expense of the American public.
Mr. Tait’s dual role matters because the Energy & Policy Institute and Energy Alabama regularly seek to influence state energy policy. They advocate against American-made natural gas projects and promote the rapid adoption of solar and other green-energy technologies.
Mr. Tait is on record saying, “Solar plus battery storage is the workhorse of the future.” Of course he’d say that – nearly 80% of solar cells and lithium-ion battery materials come from China. Is it wise to make Alabama’s energy grid dependent on Chinese tech? No doubt that would be great for Beijing. But is it good for Birmingham, Blountsville or Bayou La Batre?
None of this is to say Alabama shouldn’t pursue clean energy. But decisions that shape our energy future should be based on facts and Alabama’s needs – not pressure from groups with hidden funding and possible foreign ties.
Protecting Alabama’s energy security must remain top priority. The Senate hearing was a national warning. Here at home, we should take it seriously.
If there’s nothing to hide, there’s nothing to fear. It’s time for Mr. Tait and the Energy & Policy Institute to be transparent about who funds their work – because until they are, Alabamians have every reason to ask whose side they’re really on.
Gerald Allen serves as Chairman of the Alabama Senate Transportation & Energy Committee and represents Alabama’s 21st District, which includes Tuscaloosa, Pickens & Lamar Counties.
