Covert Energy Strategy

The global warming alarmists' bell has been answered, but that is not good enough for environmentalists. State by state they not only are convincing elected officials to address climate change, but they are also placing their own advocates in positions that will push policies on a snoozing populace like smart growth, subsidies for renewable power sources, fuel surcharges, and higher taxes on electricity.

How? Through the savvy efforts of a nearly undetectable organization called the Center for Climate Strategies, which is developing plans for greenhouse gas reduction for several states. The "service" provided by CCS costs its client-states next to nothing, because liberal environmentalist foundations foot the bill instead.

The Harrisburg, Pa.-based group was created by another Keystone State nonprofit called the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. By its own description, PEC has advocated for ecological protections for more than 30 years.

CCS's model is effective and attractive for cash-strapped states. Typically, CCS representatives develop relationships with key decision makers in their target governments.