By Andrew F. Quinlan, InsideSources.com
As appearing in Austin American-Statesman

Cronyism isn’t popular these days. It never really has been, but growth in public awareness of the problem has forced special interests to get more creative in how they approach their rent-seeking. So it comes as no surprise to see a new report outlining how billionaires such as Michael Bloomberg have co-opted the Sierra Club to serve as proxy advocates for their personal business interests.

It’s no secret these “green” billionaires are in the game to make money. They are at the forefront of investing in upstart green companies, many of which need government support in order to survive. It now appears that in addition to giving money directly to politicians to gain favors, benefits and handouts for their favorite investments, they have also hijacked nonprofit environmental groups for their benefit.

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