Big Tech's Green Energy Claims Risk Blackouts, Warn Republican AGs
Several Republican state attorneys general, led by Montana's Austin Knudsen, have warned major tech companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta that their claims of using 100% renewable energy are misleading and threaten the nation's energy reliability. Knudsen and 14 other AGs argue that these claims ignore the reality that the grid remains 60% powered by fossil fuels, despite the companies' reliance on it. They assert that these claims contribute to the shutdown of coal and natural gas plants, increasing the risk of blackouts.
The letter highlights that tech companies often use unbundled "renewable energy certificates" (RECs) to claim 100% renewable energy use, which does not reduce emissions or guarantee renewable energy consumption. This practice, the AGs argue, pressures utilities to shift away from reliable baseload power sources like coal and nuclear, exacerbating grid instability. The Department of Energy has warned that blackout risks could rise 100-fold by 2030 if the U.S. continues to shutter reliable power plants without adequate replacements.
Knudsen also notes that tech companies are increasingly turning to nuclear power to meet their energy demands, revealing the limitations of wind and solar energy. The AGs question whether these companies are using RECs to falsely claim carbon neutrality and demand transparency. The letter underscores the broader threat to the electric grid posed by aggressive green energy mandates and the misleading marketing tactics of big tech.
The AGs' action highlights the need for honesty in energy claims and the importance of maintaining reliable energy sources to prevent blackouts and safeguard the economy.
The Danger of Deceptive Green Energy Claims and Their Impact on Our Future
Big Tech's claims of achieving 100% renewable energy are not just misleading; they pose a significant threat to our nation's energy reliability and economic stability. The assertion that these companies are entirely powered by renewable sources is a smoke-and-mirror tactic, as the grid they rely on remains predominantly fueled by fossil fuels. This deceptive marketing not only misleads the public but also accelerates the shutdown of reliable baseload power sources like coal and nuclear, which are essential for maintaining a stable energy grid.
The reliance on renewable energy certificates (RECs) does little to reduce emissions or guarantee renewable energy consumption. This practice pressures utilities to shift away from reliable power sources, leading to grid instability and increasing the risk of blackouts. The Department of Energy has warned that such aggressive green energy mandates could raise blackout risks exponentially by 2030.
Furthermore, the push for green energy mandates risks expanding government control over the economy, as seen with Big Tech's increasing reliance on nuclear power to meet energy demands. This highlights the limitations of wind and solar energy and underscores the need for honest energy policies that prioritize reliability and economic stability.
The future of our society and nation depends on maintaining a reliable energy infrastructure. We must demand transparency from both tech companies and government officials, ensuring that energy policies are based on facts, not ideological agendas. Only through honest and responsible stewardship can we safeguard our energy grid and protect the well-being of our communities.
Published: 10/5/2025
