Labor unions are being accused of exploiting environmental laws to force solar power developers to sign labor agreement, according to a New York Times report.
The article notes that lawyers for a union group demanded that concentrating solar power company Ausra study the environmental impact on desert animals, but that they did not do the same to competitor BrightSource Energy. The difference: BrightSource agreed to hire union-friendly contractors.
According to the report, labor unions have used the same tactics to leverage agreements with developers of conventional power plants.
Union leaders say their actions are prompted by legitimate concern for the environment and the sustainability of California's power industry.
Read the full report at the link below.
