Bruce Cooper coordinated a Burning Man Hive discussion with several artists that focused on the desire for artists to switch from reliance on generators to using renewable power systems. The discussion included sharing success stories, constraints, opportunities and lessons learned. Bruce then approached the Burning Man Project about the collective needs of artists and he was told, "you should start a group."

In 2021 Bruce founded the RAT with the goal of assisting artists to power their art with renewable energy. After 40 years of sailing as a Chief Engineer in the Merchant Marines he is gratefully retired.