Capitalizing on the popular mania for sustainable energy, the penny-stock operators are converting failed Canadian mining outfits and Internet firms into green machines with names like Western Wind Energy and Hydrogen Power International.
The latest subsidy changes mean that for many firms it's not worthwhile building bespoke biomass power stations, but it is worthwhile converting some existing coal-burning stock.
Other defensive measures, such as converting non-voting shares into common stock, and paying a special dividend, also look reassuringly shareholder-friendly.