The top ten groups lobbying for alternative energy, at least in terms of money, have been named by the Center for Responsive Politics. So far this year, various alternative energy organizations have spent $11,389,050 on lobbying.

The biggest spender, the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, admittedly doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the groups representing the alternative energy industry. The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity has anted up over $1.8 million, more than double the runner up. That money has come from several companies that depend on coal for power production.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, the top ten lobbyists for alternative energy are

1. American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity ($1,870,000)
2. National Biodiesel Board ($679,913)
3. Solar Energy Industries Association ($535,000)
4. Clean Energy Group ($492,500)
5. American Wind Energy Association ($460,379)
6. Poet ($360,000)
7. Rentech ($250,000)
8. Green Hunter ($220,000)
9. Noble Environmental Power ($200,000)
10. GridPoint ($172,061)

The center lists hundreds of other lobbying groups that have spent about $6.1 million, divided into batches of tens of thousands. Alternative energy lobbyists are bringing a respectable amount of cash to the table. In comparison, the casino industry has spent $12.7 million on lobbying so far this year, and they've been at the game for quite awhile. The yearly totals for alternative energy groups are also on the rise. In 2007, they only had access to $16,091,075 for the full year. In 2006, it was only $9,252,683.

The money available for alternative energy groups bringing issues to the attention on the federal government has been rising steadily since 2001. While these funds haven't led to perfect legislation on energy issues, alternative energy groups are making a dent on national politics. They may not be spending as much as oil and gas lobbyists ($52,213,268 so far this year) but they may not need to.

Lobbying isn't the only spending that alternative energy supporters have been doing, either. So far in this election cycle, the alternative energy industry has donated $797,899 to various campaigns. The lion's share — 75 percent — has gone to Democratic candidates. That number is bound to increase, as well. Energy is a key issue for this presidential cycle, as well as for a host of smaller races across the country. As the candidates continue to refine their energy policies, alternative energy lobbyists will be there — along with other lobbyists — to encourage candidates to consider alternative energy legislation. It's lobbying in action, and a guaranteed way to be heard.

Photo — JColman