Conservative Energy Network is an advocacy organization that connects state-based ostensibly right-of-center environmentalist organizations. Founded and led by political strategist and consultant Mark Pischea,[1] CEN promotes anti-pollution and clean energy policies from ideologically conservative premises, including an emphasis on reducing America’s dependence on oil produced in hostile nations, saving ratepayers’ money, and stimulating local economies. [2]
However, despite its name and self-proclaimed ideological values, CEN is heavily funded by left-of-center organizations, including the MacArthur Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and Turner Foundation. [3]
Activities
In December 2018, CEN voted to support an American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) resolution to urge lawmakers to break electricity generation and retail monopolies at the state level. [4]
CEN argues government policies to promote environmentalist energy over conventional fuels are popular with voters. After the 2018 mid-term elections, CEN held a national survey with the Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions Forum (another ostensibly conservative environmentalist non-profit with ties to left wing funders[5]) which found that “clean energy policy is important to a strong majority of midterm voters—voters who are looking for real action from their elected officials in the years ahead.” [6]
In summer 2018, CEN President Mark Pischea spoke out against President Donald Trump’s promise to support struggling coal and nuclear power plants. Pischea uses conservative principles to argue that no energy source should be associated with the “left” (ie. solar, wind, etc.) or the “right” (ie. coal, oil, etc.) but rather all energy sources should be put on a level-playing field by the government’s energy policy to allow market competition to pick “winners and losers.” [7]
Funding
Conservative Energy Network has received funding from a number of foundations typically associated with funding left-of-center advocacy.
MacArthur Foundation
The MacArthur Foundation provides grants to individuals and organizations, principally on the political left. [8] MacArthur gave CEN a two-year grant in 2018 for $1,000,000 to “support general operations.” [9]
Rockefeller Brothers Fund
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund is a global philanthropic organization with a wide range of goals, including left-wing environmentalism. [10] In 2014, the RBF divested its entire $860 million of assets from conventional energy. [11] In 2017, 2018, and 2019, the RBF donated $89,000, $100,000, and $150,000 respectively to Conservative Energy Network for “general support” (2017 and 2018) and “its states and regions programs” (2019). [12]
Turner Foundation
The Turner Foundation is dedicated to expanding American government environmental conservation lands and recruiting private conservationist efforts. [13] In 2018, the TF donated $100,000 to the CEN for “project support to develop a conservative, pro-clean energy presence in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.” [14]
McKnight Foundation
The McKnight Foundation aims to restore public trust through philanthropy aimed at reducing racial inequality, promoting innovation, and environmental protection. [15] The organization wants to create a carbon-neutral Midwestern American economy[16] and increase environmental regulations on the Mississippi River. [17] In 2017, the McKnight Foundation donated $200,000 to CEN for “general operating support.” [18]
Argosy Foundation
The Argosy Foundation is a non-profit that provides grants to entrepreneurs in a variety of fields, including arts, education, health, and environmental protection. [19] The AF has partnered with Communities for a Better Environment to help low-income communities prohibit the transport of crude oil by train through their neighborhoods. [20] In 2017, the AF donated “over $20,000” to Conservative Energy Network to “support a clean energy project.” [21]