SLUSH FUNDS: Environmental ideologues enjoying the Colorado taxpayer dime.

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) describes itself as “…an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all.”

Anyone that is familiar with their work would not dispute their claim to working towards a zero-carbon future, but as someone who’s looked into what they are doing in Colorado, I can tell you that the “market-driven” and “nonpartisan” claims are a real stretch to say the least.

I say that because RMI sure seems to have a cozy relationship with Governor Polis, and the things they are all working on are decidedly more government mandate than free market. In fact, of the approximately $718,000 tax dollars the state has paid RMI, the vast majority ($706K) has flowed to them just since Polis was elected. Further, the money has mostly funneled through the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), a division within the governor’s office.

A CORA request to see the contracts with RMI since Polis took office returned 15 files, and reading through them provides an intriguing look at how Gov. Polis is putting this supposedly free market, nonpartisan group to work.

Much more at the link.

I’d just add that Polis sure seems to enjoy those public-private “partnerships” an awful lot for a so-called libertarian Democrat.