FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Rebecca Stoner, Oil Change Action, 917-561-2607, rebecca.stoner@priceofoil.org
Lindsay Tice, Friends of the Earth Action, 202-783-7400 ext. 8403, ltice@foe.org
Sam Bernhardt, Food & Water Action, 267-428-1903, sbernhardt@fwwatch.org
RL Miller, Climate Hawks Vote, 818-518-3470, rlm@climatehawksvote.com
Today, Oil Change Action, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Climate Hawks Vote, GrayPAC, Food & Water Action, and Friends of the Earth Action, endorsed Graham Platner for U.S. Senate. Platner is challenging longtime Republican senator Susan Collins in Maine.
The announcement comes days after Platner announced an energy plan that, among other things, endorses a windfall profits tax on oil corporations. Platner has also repeatedly voiced support for a data center moratorium. Platner is an oyster farmer, veteran, and advocate for working people who was born and raised in Maine. A bold progressive willing to shake up the status quo, he is outspoken on the need to end fossil fuel expansion; hold the fossil fuel industry accountable; and protect Maine’s economy, natural resources, and communities from the climate crisis and extractive corporations.
Platner signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, a promise not to accept campaign contributions over $200 from the industry and prioritize Maine communities over Big Oil profits. Meanwhile, Senator Collins has accepted at least $744,816 in industry donations over the course of her career and just last week, voiced support for expanded gas pipeline infrastructure in Maine.
Platner’s experience as a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan makes him deeply critical of militarism around the globe, including the senseless, devastating war on Iran motivated by Trump’s desire to control the country’s oil resources, among other factors.
Platner has sparked unprecedented grassroots enthusiasm across the state of Maine, holding dozens of packed rallies attracting tens of thousands of Mainers eager for an alternative to the status quo. His commitment to progressive values and environmental protection make him an ideal foil to Senator Collins, who has spent the last 29 years in Congress enabling corporate polluters’ agenda at every turn.
Quotes:
Allie Rosenbluth, Campaign Manager, Oil Change Action, said:
“Graham Platner is running to reclaim our democracy from corporate special interests, including Big Oil, which pours millions of dollars a year into our political system to keep our country hooked on expensive, polluting fossil fuels. In Congress, Graham will put Mainers first by transitioning to clean, affordable renewable energy and protecting communities and local economies from the climate crisis. We are proud to support Graham’s fight for a better political system, a better Maine, and a better future.”
Erich Pica, President, Friends of the Earth Action, said:
“Friends of the Earth Acton is excited to endorse Graham Platner for the U.S. Senate. We need a fighter in the Senate who will put people and the planet first, and Platner will do just that. He is exactly what Maine needs in a leader – bold, responsive, and unafraid to hold corporations accountable for harming communities and the environment. We strongly encourage Mainers to send Platner to Washington, D.C. as their next U.S. Senator.”
Sam Bernhardt, Political Director, Food & Water Action, said:
“High energy bills are on the ballot in Maine and Graham Platner has a plan to deliver the relief communities need. Fossil fuel corporations have spent decades profiteering off pollution while driving families into debt, endangering critical natural resources, and threatening a livable climate. Industry’s deeply unpopular date center push promises more of the same. Platner has the bold vision needed to hold corporations accountable, and right the ship.”
RL Miller, political director of Climate Hawks Vote, said:
“Graham Platner is the fighter Maine needs. Our Maine climate hawks have been excited to endorse Graham, not just because he’s not-Susan-Collins, but because he actually has a vision to make positive change for Mainers. And that begins with lowering their sky-high utility bills and making polluters pay for the damage they’re inflicting on hardworking Maine families.”
Mike Johnson, Democracy Campaigns Manager with GrayPAC, said:
“It is notable to GrayPAC that Graham Platner’s campaign is based on the need for determined leadership to do what can be done, rather than an excuse for what can’t. Elders in Maine are excited that he will be a voice for their values and that he will fight to lower costs and build resilient communities.”
Stephanie Kurose, Northeast Political Director, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, said:
“Maine deserves someone like Graham Platner who isn’t afraid to stand up to powerful special interests to protect Maine’s communities and natural heritage,” said Stephanie Kurose, Northeast political director at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund. “At a time when pollution, corporate influence and mounting pressures are putting Maine’s lands, waters and wildlife at risk, Platner is ready to take decisive action to protect the state’s future.”
Oil Change Action, a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. is dedicated to supporting real climate leadership, exposing the true costs of fossil fuels, and building a just, equitable, and renewable energy future in the United States.
Friends of the Earth (Action), Inc. fights for transformational environmental policy and pushes political discourse to center justice and the environment. Friends of the Earth (Action), Inc. is the 501(c)(4) affiliate of Friends of the Earth U.S., but these organizations’ names are not interchangeable. This news release is from Friends of the Earth (Action), Inc., not Friends of the Earth.
Food & Water Action, the political and lobbying arm of the national advocacy group Food & Water Watch, mobilizes people to build political power to move bold and uncompromised solutions to the most pressing food, water and climate problems of our time. We work to protect people’s health, communities and democracy from the growing destructive power of the most powerful economic interests.
Climate Hawks Vote works to build grassroots political power for the climate movement…and we win our races.
GrayPAC is the political action committee of Third Act, mobilizing Americans over 60 to elect leaders and support policies for a sustainable and vibrant future for our democracy and climate.
The Center Action Fund is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for legislation and legislators that will advance a progressive environmental agenda. The Center Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) affiliate of the Center for Biological Diversity, but these organizations’ names are not interchangeable. This news release is from the Center Action Fund, not the Center for Biological Diversity.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
