In a case of strange political bedfellows, several renewable energy groups are joining with their fossil fuel counterparts to blast a Trump administration proposal to spend billions of dollars to subsidize coal and nuclear power generation.

The Solar Energy Power Association, American Wind Energy Association and American Petroleum Institute were among the 12 energy associations that recently issued joint comments with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission urging officials to ax the plan.

"The proposed rule is a solution in search of a problem," said Christopher Mansour, SEIA's vice president of federal affairs. "Solar is an affordable, reliable, nearly limitless source of fuel. Healthy competition should always promote the best, most innovative solutions. It's time to embrace 21st century technologies, like solar, and all the advantages they offer to our nation's grid."

U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry has proposed that FERC prop up the struggling coal and nuclear industries through higher payments for the electricity they generate. Both have struggled in recent years as the cost of producing renewable energy has dropped, but analysts say the main reason for their decline is that more power plants are switching to cheaper natural gas.

API also represents natural gas producers, which is why the group also opposes the subsidies. Other signatories include Advanced Energy Economy, American Biogas Council, American Council on Renewable Energy, Electric Power Supply Association, Electricity Consumers Resource Council, Energy Storage Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America and Natural Gas Supply Association. http://bit.ly/2yjhBc0

Coal and nuclear energy are fighting back. The National Mining Association released a poll in late October finding that 51 percent of Americans supported government action to support the industries.

"Completely missing from the debate over grid reliability has been the most important perspective of all: that of the American family," NMA CEO Hal Quinn said. "Americans expect the lights to come on when they flip a switch, not bear the risk of future blackouts or electricity rationing." http://bit.ly/2zoWGrQ

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