Tag: climate leadership

  • Oil Change U.S. Statement on Election Day

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    November 5, 2024
    Contact: Rebecca Stoner, rebecca.stoner@priceofoil.org, +1 917 561 2607

    As the election comes to a close, Collin Rees, Campaign Manager at Oil Change U.S, released the following statement:

    “Our country is at a crossroads. One path leads to an opportunity for a livable planet and the other to accelerated climate chaos and a breakdown of our democracy. 

    “Another Trump term would spell disaster, especially for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, working-class people, and our climate. The climate crisis is here and already harming millions of Americans each year, as the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton make clear. 

    “Trump has promised to sell out our future for campaign donations from Big Oil. He intends to torpedo the fragile progress made on the climate crisis so far by withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and shredding environmental safeguards. 

    “Kamala Harris’s election, on the other hand, would leave open the possibility of a more just and sustainable future. If she wins office, the broad coalition of people concerned about the climate crisis – from Gulf Coast fishermen to Los Angeles public school teachers to Gen Z and many more – will continue to pressure her to stand firm against the fossil fuel industry and prioritize clean air, clean water, and a liveable climate for all of us. 

    “Harris will have immediate opportunities to move the country towards a clean energy future, including shutting down the disastrous Dakota Access Pipeline and the proposed Gulf Link crude oil export terminal and making the Biden administration’s pause on new LNG exports permanent.

    “This election also represents a crucial moment for US foreign policy and our role on the global stage, as the ongoing genocide in Palestine continues to deny human rights and defy international law. This has been a defining issue for voters this election cycle and Harris has vowed to do everything she can to end the war in Gaza, but real action means supporting an immediate arms embargo and ceasefire.

    “Harris can become the climate president and global leader we desperately need by taking urgent, uncompromising action. She must end fossil fuel expansion, invest in clean energy, and safeguard Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities from the fossil fuel industry’s pollution and the worst impacts of the climate crisis.”

  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Susheela Jayapal for U.S. House, OR-03

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Contact: 
    Allie Rosenbluth, allie@priceofoil.org
    Erika Seiber, eseiber@foe.org

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Susheela Jayapal for U.S. House, OR-03

    WASHINGTON — Today, environmental groups including Oil Change U.S., Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Climate Hawks Vote, Food & Water Action, Friends of the Earth Action, and Zero Hour announced their endorsement of Susheela Jayapal for Oregon’s third Congressional district.

    Allie Rosenbluth, Political Director at Oil Change U.S., said: 
    “Under Susheela Jayapal’s leadership, Multnomah County took momentous actions to protect communities from the harms of fossil fuels while also investing in climate resilience and adaptation. Her proven record shows her dedication to environmental justice making her the ideal candidate to represent Oregon’s third district in Congress.” 

    Brett Hartl, Chief Political Strategist at Center for Biological Diversity Action, said: 
    “Susheela Jayapal works tirelessly for her community by taking on big polluters and standing up for our democracy. She isn’t afraid to fight for what’s right, and that’s exactly the kind of progressive champion we need in Congress. We’re very excited to endorse Susheela and can’t wait to work with her in Congress.”

    RL Miller, Political Director at Climate Hawks Vote, said: 
    “We listened to grassroots climate hawks in the district before endorsing, and Susheela is the near-unanimous choice. We’re looking forward to working with her, and joining her working on behalf of her constituents, in Congress.”

    Sam Bernhardt, Political Director at Food & Water Action, said: 
    “As County Commissioner, Susheela Jayapal fought fossil fuel infrastructure and sued oil and gas corporations over the heat dome that killed dozens of her constituents. We need big action and big commitment like this, which is why we need Susheela Jayapal in Congress.”

    Ariel Moger, Government & Political Affairs Director at Friends of the Earth Action, said: 
    “Friends of the Earth Action is committed to supporting candidates who unequivocally put people and the planet over corporate profit, which is why we’re thrilled to endorse Susheela Jayapal. Her willingness to fight big polluters makes her an ideal fit for Congress. We encourage voters in Oregon to support her at the ballot box for the sake of local communities and the climate.”

    Zanagee Artis, Executive Director at Zero Hour, said: 
    “Susheela Jayapal is a fierce advocate for environmental justice and we are proud to endorse her candidacy to represent Oregon’s third district in Congress. Jayapal is a Green New Deal Champion and we know that she will fight alongside the climate movement to phase out fossil fuels as a member of Congress.”

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    Oil Change U.S. is a national organization focused on exposing the true costs of fossil fuels, supporting real climate leadership, and building a just, equitable, and renewable energy future in the United States. Oil Change U.S. is one of several organizations that coordinates the national No Fossil Fuel Money pledge and the national Green New Deal Champions campaign. For more information, please visit OilChangeUS.org.

  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s Re-Election to Congress

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Contact: 
    Allie Rosenbluth, allie@priceofoil.org
    Sam Bernhardt, sbernhardt@fwwatch.org
    Brett Hartl, bretthartl@centeractionfund.org

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Jamaal Bowman’s Re-Election to Congress

    Rep. Bowman has championed climate justice initiatives throughout his time in Congress

    WASHINGTON — A group of national environmental advocacy organizations is endorsing Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s reelection campaign. Oil Change U.S., Center for Biological Diversity Action, Food & Water Action, and Zero Hour spoke out in support of Rep. Bowman ahead of a potential primary.

    Since his election in 2020, Rep. Bowman has been among the strongest voices in Congress for climate action, working to expand the power and breadth of the climate movement with proposals like his Green New Deal for Public Schools. Bowman’s advocacy helped pave the way for the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest clean energy legislation ever passed by Congress. Bowman has also lent his voice to state efforts, for instance calling on state elected officials to pass the Build Public Renewables Act in 2022 (the bill was passed in 2023). 

    Westchester County Executive George Latimer is weighing a primary challenge to Bowman, likely with the expectation that if he were to run, he can count on millions in SuperPAC spending to attack Bowman.

    Allie Rosenbluth, Political Director at Oil Change U.S., said: 
    “Oil Change U.S. strongly endorses Jamaal Bowman’s campaign for reelection. Representative Bowman has been one of the strongest advocates for climate justice in Congress, while prioritizing working with communities most impacted by the issue. His leadership on climate is a clear demonstration of how Congress should be taking on this crisis.” 

    Brett Hartl, Chief Political Strategist at Center for Biological Diversity Action, said: 
    “Representative Bowman has been one of the strongest voices pushing for this country to take stronger actions to address the climate crisis and environmental justice. We need more members like him willing to stand up to powerful polluters and the worst elements of the MAGA Republicans, and we strongly support his reelection to Congress.”

    Sam Bernhardt, Political Director at Food & Water Action, said: 
    “With our planet on the brink of ever-deepening climate chaos, we must be laser-focused on supporting Congress members like Jamaal Bowman — a through-and-through fossil fuel fighter and a champion of clean, renewable energy for all.”

    Zanagee Artis, Executive Director at Zero Hour, said: 
    “Representative Jamaal Bowman continues to be a champion for environmental justice and young people in Congress, and Zero Hour is proud to endorse his candidacy again. Representative Bowman demonstrates what it really means to represent young people and care about the issues that impact us.”

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    Oil Change U.S. is a national organization focused on exposing the true costs of fossil fuels, supporting real climate leadership, and building a just, equitable, and renewable energy future in the United States. Oil Change U.S. is one of several organizations that coordinates the national No Fossil Fuel Money pledge and the national Green New Deal Champions campaign. For more information, please visit OilChangeUS.org.

  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Aaron Regunberg for U.S. House, RI-01

    For Immediate Release

    Contact: 
    Allie Rosenbluth, allie@priceofoil.org

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Aaron Regunberg for U.S. House, RI-01

    WASHINGTON — Today, Oil Change U.S., Center for Biological Diversity Action, Food & Water Action, and Friends of the Earth Action announced their endorsement of Aaron Regunberg for Rhode Island’s First Congressional district.

    As State Representative, Regunberg was among the first state elected officials to speak out against a fracked gas power plant in Burrillville, which was eventually defeated. He also helped fight a proposed LNG export terminal in Providence.

    The groups join other climate and progressive groups including Progressive Democrats of America, Climate Hawks Vote, Jane Fonda Climate PAC and Climate Action Rhode Island. Together, these national progressive environmental groups represent tens of thousands of Rhode Island voters. 

    Allie Rosenbluth, Oil Change U.S. Campaigns Director, offered the following statement:

    “As communities across the country experience devastating impacts of climate change and the United States remains world’s the largest expander of oil and gas, it’s clear we need more leaders in congress ready to take on the fossil fuel industry. Oil Change U.S. is excited to endorse Aaron Regunberg, who has the experience and commitment to bold climate action Rhode Island and the country needs.”

    Stephanie Kurose, Northeast Political Director of the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, offered the following statement:

    “Aaron Regunberg cares deeply about solving the issues of eastern Rhode Island communities, from fighting for environmental justice to confronting the climate emergency. He’s exactly the type of bold, progressive leader we need in Congress and we’re honored to endorse him.”

    Ariel Moger, Government and Political Affairs Director of Friends of the Earth Action, offered the following statement:

    “We are thrilled to endorse Aaron Regunberg for Congress. Aaron is no stranger to holding Big Oil accountable and is not afraid to take much-needed urgent action to address the climate crisis. Rhode Islanders can count on Aaron to be a bold environmental champion and we urge them to support him this September.”

    Sam Bernhardt, Political Director of Food & Water Action, offered the following statement:

    “Aaron is a climate leader who has gone toe-to-toe with the fossil fuel industry in Rhode Island for years. We will work hard to get Aaron elected so he can represent his constituents and this critical movement against fossil fuels in the halls of Congress.”

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    Oil Change U.S. is a national organization focused on exposing the true costs of fossil fuels, supporting real climate leadership, and building a just, equitable, and renewable energy future in the United States. Oil Change U.S. is one of several organizations that coordinates the national No Fossil Fuel Money pledge. For more information, please visit OilChangeUS.org.

  • Oil Change U.S. Condemns Nellie Gorbea for Fundraiser Hosted by Fossil Fuel Lobbyist

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    June 28, 2022

    Contact: 
    Collin Rees, collin@priceofoil.org

    Oil Change U.S. Condemns Nellie Gorbea for Fundraiser Hosted by Fossil Fuel Lobbyist

    Earlier this month on June 10, Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea — who is running for governor — held a campaign fundraiser hosted by prominent fossil fuel lobbyist Tonio Burguos in New York. Tickets for the fundraiser, held at Burgos’ lobbying firm, started at $250. 

    Burgos is a prominent Democratic National Committee member and a well-known lobbyist for fossil fuel companies — he has lobbied for heavily fossil-fueled utility National Grid, earned millions lobbying for oil producer Williams Companies, and is currently lobbying for Valero, the world’s largest petroleum refiner. He is also a controversial figure in New England politics, as former U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy took money from Burgos in his campaign against U.S. Sen. Ed Markey in violation of his No Fossil Fuel Money pledge and ultimately returned the contributions. 

    Nellie Gorbea’s campaign claims a commitment to “acting on climate” with a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. But companies like Valero have refused to commit to clear net-zero plans, and even fossil fuel companies who’ve been more forthcoming have been heavily criticized for the inadequacy of their plans and continued fossil fuel production. Gorbea has so far refused to sign the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge, a national effort signed by thousands of politicians urging candidates to reject contributions from fossil fuel PACs, executives, and lobbyists. 

    In response to Secretary of State Gorbea’s fundraiser, Oil Change U.S. Campaigns Director Collin Rees released the following statement: 

    “Anyone claiming the mantle of climate action must reject ties to Big Oil and Gas — it’s really that simple. Fossil fuel companies are wrecking the planet and endangering Rhode Islanders, and lobbyists like Tonio Burgos are profiting from this devastation. 

    “Nellie Gorbea should join over 100 Rhode Island political leaders and thousands of politicians nationwide, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, in pledging to reject fossil fuel money. If she won’t, she has absolutely no credibility on climate.” 

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    Notes to Editors

    – More info on Tonio Burgos’ lobbying and fossil fuel connections can be found here. 

    – More info on the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge can be found here. Rhode Island signers of the pledge can be found here. 

    Oil Change U.S. is a national organization focused on exposing the true costs of fossil fuels, supporting real climate leadership, and building a just, equitable, and renewable energy future in the United States. Oil Change U.S. is one of several organizations that coordinates the national No Fossil Fuel Money pledge. For more information, please visit OilChangeUS.org.

  • Oil Change U.S. and Progressive Groups Announce ‘Green New Deal Champions’ Pledge

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 28, 2022

    Contact:
    Collin Rees, Oil Change U.S., collin@priceofoil.org
    Ellen Sciales, Sunrise Movement, ellen@sunrisemovement.org

    Progressive Groups Announce ‘Green New Deal Champions’ Pledge

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, nearly 50 organizations launched the Green New Deal Champions Pledge, aimed at pushing candidates to champion the climate policy we need when in office, and to hold current members accountable to a standard of support for the Green New Deal. 

    It’s been three years since Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ed Markey introduced the Green New Deal Resolution, which outlined a new vision for our country and our movement: one where we avert the worst of the climate crisis, create millions of good paying union jobs, and invest in communities on the front line of the climate crisis.  

    Since then, multiple pieces of substantial climate legislation, guided by communities at the frontlines of the climate crisis, have been introduced that build towards the Green New Deal. We know we need to win federal climate legislation to tackle this crisis, but we can’t wait until we have the right majorities in Congress to get to work. We need to do everything we can right now, to pressure our elected officials to support the bills that will put us on the path to a Green New Deal —  that’s how we’ll set ourselves up to win legislation when the moment comes. The text of the Green New Deal Champions Pledge can be found here.

    The Green New Deal continues to be popular with voters across the country. Recent polling from Data for Progress shows that Green New Deal bills have overwhelming support, while young people, a key voting block for Democrats, continue to support climate legislation and action by massive margins. The Green New Deal Pledge is expected to have the same effect as the popular No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, which has changed the nature of campaigning since its establishment by toxifying money from fossil fuel lobbyists, PACs, and executives.

    Progressive movement groups, sitting electeds, and congressional candidates issued the following statements on the pledge: 

    Quote Sheet

    “I’m proud to sign this pledge. Our generation will be facing the repercussions of the climate policy decisions we make in the years to come. We deserve representatives who are accountable to their constituents, not fossil fuel companies,” said Nida Allam, congressional candidate in NC-04. 

    “Texas working families are seeing the climate crisis first-hand — whether it’s winter storms, flooding, or tornadoes in our backyards. We need to tackle this crisis. We can create good union jobs and preserve our planet for future generations. The Green New Deal does both,” said Greg Casar, congressional candidate in TX-35. 

    “I’m proud to sign the Green New Deal pledge. Our communities here in Chicago are in crisis — climate change is an existential threat, racial and economic injustices are raging. We need bold solutions like the Green New Deal that will combat climate change, environmental racism, and the injustices that persist in Chicago. And we need a new generation of leaders who will fight for the Green New Deal with the urgency that this moment demands,” said Kina Collins, congressional candidate in IL-07. 

    “My community is hurting. The climate crisis has claimed lives and livelihoods. A rigged economy has left us with wages that are stagnant, businesses closing, and new job opportunities few and far between. The Green New Deal takes on the defining challenges of our time and transforms them into the pathway to a brighter future. For the air I breathe, for the people I love, and for the place I call home, I’m taking the Green New Deal pledge and look forward to supporting this legislation in Congress,” said Erica Smith, congressional candidate in NC-01. 

    “The Green New Deal is about jobs, justice, and dismantling systemic racism that’s poisoning the lungs and futures of Black and Brown people in St. Louis and all across the country. We need to act now, and that means making sure politicians understand the urgency of this crisis. I’m proud to be part of an effort to hold people in positions of power accountable to the solutions we know are needed to address environmental racism, confront the fossil fuel industry, and realize true climate justice,” said U.S. Rep. Cori Bush of MO-01. 

    “I am immensely proud to be an original Green New Deal Champion with an amazing list of colleagues and friends. It is easy to say that climate change is an existential crisis, but words aren’t enough — we need real legislation that delivers rapid, comprehensive, transformative change. While organizers continue to strengthen and define the Green New Deal from the bottom, this project holds those in power accountable to the demands of activists and cements robust economic and racial justice standards in the Green New Deal. We have a long way to go, but I encourage every Congressperson to join me in taking this next step. Together, we will win a Green New Deal this decade,” said U.S. Rep. Andy Levin of MI-09. 

    “Since I introduced the Green New Deal with Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, the climate crisis has only become more severe. We have to act now to deliver justice for communities on the frontlines of this crisis and create millions of green-collar jobs to save our economy and save our planet. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in the House and Senate, and with an entire generation committed to climate justice,” said in the fight for a Green New Deal,” said U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts. 

    “The threat posed by the climate crisis is growing by the day and we need to come together to take aggressive action to create a more sustainable economy and promote environmental justice. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Green New Deal resolution and I will keep fighting to pass my BUILD GREEN Infrastructure and Jobs Act to deliver robust federal investment to help fight the growing climate crisis, spur innovation, and boost demand for American-made clean energy products,” said U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. 

    “The Green New Deal Champions effort provides an exciting opportunity to advance a transformative agenda to end the fossil era, help working people, and catalyze a just energy transition. Rejecting fossil fuel money and committing to these key bills to phase out fossil fuels and build an equitable clean energy future are now clear requirements for politicians claiming the mantle of ‘climate leadership.’ With dozens of critical primary and general elections this year, we’ll see which candidates and elected officials are truly willing to stand up to Big Oil and Gas’s lies and fight for our communities,” said Collin Rees, Political Director at Oil Change U.S.

    “There is no denying that the climate crisis is at our doorsteps and continues to disproportionately devastate young, Black, brown, and immigrant communities both in the U.S. and around the world. From undocumented farmworkers facing increasingly deadly wildfires in places like California to millions of climate refugees displaced by extreme flooding, droughts, and other disasters, it’s clear that there is no climate justice without immigrant justice and racial justice. The Green New Deal Resolution, alone, is not enough to combat the worsening climate catastrophe. In order to ensure ALL communities are protected, elected officials must also deliver on other bold, progressive legislation that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented people without growing detention and enforcement, like the Dream and Promise Act, and helps pave the way for a more just future for Black and brown immigrant communities bearing the brunt of climate change,” said Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, Senior Advocacy Manager of United We Dream. 

    “The Green New Deal means robust public investment to transition off of fossil fuels translating into unprecedented investment in the well-being of everyday working people — our jobs, our utility bills, our health, and our future. The GND Pledge allows us to show candidates and the world what support for a Green New Deal really means, and allows us to talk about how the GND will deliver for working people. The Working Families Party is proud to support it,” said Maurice Mitchell, National Director of Working Families Party. 

    “As fossil fuel corporations destroy our communities and profit off of working families at the gas pump, our government has yet to pass climate legislation that meets the moment of crisis. And yet, support for the Green New Deal has never been greater. That’s why we’re launching Green New Deal Champions because we need members of Congress and elected officials to fight as hard as they can for the Green New Deal. We must pass the climate bills that make the GND a reality — the GND Resolution is our North Star and the GND bills help us get there,” said Varshini Prakash, Executive Director of Sunrise Movement.

    The list of current Green New Deal Champions, Green New Deal Pledge Signers, and endorsing organizations are below: 

    Members of Congress Who Are Current Green New Deal Champions: 

    – Sen. Ed Markey (MA)

    – Sen. Elizabeth Warren (MA)

    – Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT)

    – Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17)

    – Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    – Rep. Marie Newman (IL-03)

    – Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04)

    – Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) 

    – Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02)

    – Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    – Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08)

    – Rep. Andy Levin (MI-09)

    – Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-13)

    – Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05)

    – Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01)

    – Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-10)

    – Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-12)

    – Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14)

    – Rep. Jamaal Bowman (NY-16)

    – Rep. Mondaire Jones (NY-17)

    – Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)

    – Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)

    Congressional Candidates Who Have Signed the Green New Deal Champions Pledge: 

    – David Peterson (CA-03)

    – Bianca Von Krieg (CA-11)

    – Derek Marshall (CA-23)

    – Angelica Dueñas (CA-29)

    – Shervin Aazami (CA-32)

    – David Kim (CA-34)

    – Daniel Lee (CA-37)

    – Peter Mathews (CA-42)

    – Michael Ortega (CA-46)

    – Adam Schindler (CA-50)

    – Kylie Taitano (CA-50)

    – Neal Walia (CO-01)

    – Rebekah Jones (FL-01)

    – Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10)

    – Cindy Banyai (FL-19)

    – Vincent Fort (GA-13)

    – Kirby Birgans (IL-01)

    – Jahmal Cole (IL-01)

    – Iymen Chehade (IL-03)

    – Delia Ramirez (IL-03)

    – Kina Collins (IL-07)

    – Junaid Ahmed (IL-08)

    – Attica Scott (KY-03)

    – Mckayla Wilkes (MD-05)

    – Shri Thanedar (MI-13)

    – Ernest Joseph Oppegaard-Peltier III (MN-07)

    – Erica Smith (NC-01)

    – Nida Allam (NC-04)

    – Ashley Ward (NC-04)

    – David Ocampo Grajales (NJ-08)

    – Imani Oakley (NJ-10)

    – Melanie D’Arrigo (NY-03)

    – Rana Abdelhamid (NY-12)

    – Vanessa Fajans-Turner (NY-22)

    – Nina Turner (OH-11)

    – Sami Al-Abdrabbuh (OR-04)

    – Doyle Canning (OR-04)

    – Alexandra Hunt (PA-03)

    – Summer Lee (PA-12)

    – David Segal (RI-02)

    – Jessica Cisneros (TX-28)

    – Greg Casar (TX-35)

    – Ally Dalsimer (VA-11)

    – Kesha Ram Hinsdale (VT-AL)

    – Jason Call (WA-02)

    – Stephanie Gallardo (WA-09)

    Green New Deal Champions Partner Organizations: 

    – 350 Action

    – Alliance for Youth Action

    – American Federation of Teachers 

    – Association of Flight Attendants – Communications Workers of America

    – Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation

    – Caring Across Generations

    – Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund

    – Center for Popular Democracy

    – Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund

    – Climate Hawks Vote

    – Climate Justice Alliance

    – Common Defense

    – Dogwood Alliance

    – Food & Water Action

    – Friends of the Earth Action

    – Future Coalition

    – Gen-Z for Change

    – Grassroots Global Justice Alliance

    – Green New Deal Network

    – GreenFaith

    – GreenLatinos

    – Greenpeace USA

    – Indigenous Environmental Network

    – Indivisible

    – Kentuckians For The Commonwealth

    – Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition

    – Labor Network for Sustainability

    – March For Our Lives

    – Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition Action!

    – Mothers Out Front 

    – National Domestic Workers Alliance

    – Native Organizers Alliance

    – NDN Collective

    – New York Renews

    – Oil Change U.S.

    – Our Climate

    – Our Revolution

    – People’s Action

    – Progressive Democrats of America

    – Public Citizen

    – RuralOrganizing.org 

    – Social Security Works

    – Sunrise Movement

    – United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE)

    – United We Dream Action

    – WE ACT for Environmental Justice

    – Working Families Party

    – Zero Hour

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  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Doyle Canning in Oregon Congressional Race

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 17, 2022

    Contact:
    Collin Rees, collin@priceofoil.org

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Doyle Canning in Oregon Congressional Race

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Oil Change U.S., the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Food & Water Action, Friends of the Earth Action, and Zero Hour announced their endorsement of Doyle Canning for Oregon’s 4th Congressional district, joining Progressive Democrats of America. Together, these national progressive environmental groups represent tens of thousands of Oregon voters. 

    Collin Rees, Political Director at Oil Change U.S., said: “Doyle Canning has been a steadfast champion for climate, economic, and racial justice her entire career — she is exactly the type of leader Congress needs to combat the climate crisis and improve the lives of working people. Doyle has never hesitated to fight for her community’s needs, stand up to Big Oil and Gas, or reject the dirty money polluting our politics. Doyle knows that working together is the only way to overcome the immense crises we face, and we’re proud to endorse her.”

    Quinn Read, Oregon Political Director at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, said: “Doyle Canning is exactly the kind of leader that Congress and Oregon need — one who will fight environmental injustice and fearlessly advocate for real climate solutions. For decades, Canning has built community-focused movements for racial justice, environmental restoration and a stable climate future. I know she will work every day in Congress to ensure a safer, healthier planet for all.”

    Sam Bernhardt, Political Director at Food & Water Action, said: “When it really mattered, Doyle Canning stood with her community in fighting a fossil fuel pipeline and export terminal, while her opponent in the upcoming primary stood with the fossil fuel corporations and their profits. Doyle has the experience as an environmental lawyer and progressive policy strategist to secure many more wins for the working families of Oregon and the climate, and we’re proud to stand with her.”

    Ariel Moger, Government and Political Affairs Manager at Friends of the Earth Action, said: “It has never been more important to elect leaders like Doyle Canning to Congress. Canning has a proven track record of standing up to Big Polluters and defeating dirty fossil fuel infrastructure projects. She has been an unwavering advocate for people and the planet and will undoubtedly continue to fight for communities and the environment in Congress. Friends of the Earth Action is proud to endorse Doyle Canning and strongly urges voters in Oregon’s 4th Congressional district to support her in the May primary.”

    Zanagee Artis, Executive Director of Zero Hour, said: “Zero Hour is proud to endorse Doyle Canning’s campaign for OR-04 because Congress needs more movement leaders like Doyle. Doyle Canning has personally shaped many of the most inspiring campaigns and wins of the last 20 years, from Keystone XL to Jordan Cove to getting fossil fuel lobbyists out of the United Nations Climate Negotiations and getting fossil fuel subsidies out of the Build Back Better Act. Zero Hour is ready to send Doyle Canning to Congress because we know that she will continue to work alongside the climate justice movement to end our reliance on fossil fuels as a member of Congress.”

    Alan Minsky, Executive Director at Progressive Democrats of America, said: “Progressive Democrats of America is thrilled to be joining with this great collection of national environmental organizations in supporting Doyle Canning, a true climate champion, for Congress in OR-4. Simply put, we can no longer accept the failure of political leadership to address the realities of the climate emergency and environmental racism. We need powerful advocates like Doyle in Congress, who will never waiver from what both science and justice demand is necessary. We strongly urge all voters in Oregon’s 4th District to support Doyle Canning in the May Democratic primary and the November general election.”

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  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Andy Levin in Michigan Congressional Race

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 8, 2022

    Contact:
    Collin Rees, collin@priceofoil.org

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Andy Levin in Michigan Congressional Race

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Oil Change U.S., Food & Water Action, Climate Hawks Vote, and Zero Hour announced their endorsement of Andy Levin for Michigan’s 11th congressional district, joining the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund and Friends of the Earth Action. Together, these national progressive environmental groups represent tens of thousands of Michigan voters.

    Collin Rees, Political Director at Oil Change U.S., said: “Andy Levin’s bold leadership on climate change and labor justice have set him apart over a long career of public service. His deep commitment to rejecting corporate influence, safeguarding clean water and air across Michigan, and protecting workers and communities during the ongoing renewable energy transition has made him a crucial member of Congress. We need Rep. Levin in Congress, now more than ever.”

    Sam Bernhardt, Political Director at Food & Water Action, said: “Both in and out of Congress, Andy Levin has a proven track record as an environmental and climate leader. Representative Levin has shown the courage to directly confront the fossil fuel industry by supporting an end to fossil fuel subsidies and refusing to take their contributions. He has led the way on transitioning to electric vehicles. And he is uniquely qualified to work for a fair and just transition for working families and communities directly affected by the need to move off fossil fuels.”

    RL Miller, Political Director at Climate Hawks Vote, said: “Andy Levin has earned the support of Michigan grassroots climate hawks. In a survey in the new district, over 60 percent of Climate Hawks Vote members preferred him to his opponent. He’s earned that support by being a fierce climate hawk who knows how to put working families first. He’s authored climate bills like EV Freedom, promoting electric vehicle infrastructure. And he’s the only candidate in the district who has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.” 

    Zanagee Artis, Executive Director of Zero Hour, said: “Zero Hour is proud to endorse Rep. Levin because he will continue to fight for a livable planet in Congress. Congressman Andy Levin’s lifelong commitment to environmental protection speaks for itself. Zero Hour and the young people who mobilize with us in Michigan are ready to send Rep. Levin back to Congress to continue fighting to end fossil fuel subsidies, expand renewable energy, and achieve the Green New Deal that we all deserve.”

    Brett Hartl, Political Director at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, said: “Rep. Andy Levin has shown time and again that he is a steadfast environmental champion of the environment and believes we have a moral obligation to save life on earth. Levin has fought his entire career against special interests that have sickened our communities and exacerbated the climate crisis. He is the type of leader we need in Congress more than ever.”

    Ariel Moger, Government and Political Affairs Manager at Friends of the Earth Action, said: “Friends of the Earth Action is proud to endorse Rep. Andy Levin, a proven advocate for communities and the environment. With so much on the line this election, we must elect leaders who will prioritize people and the planet over corporate profits. Levin is exactly the type of champion we need in Congress. We strongly urge the voters in Michigan’s 11th District to support his reelection.”

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  • Climate Activists React to Biden’s Moves to Ban Fossil Fuel Executives from Transition Team

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 1, 2020

    Contact:
    Collin Rees, collin [at] priceofoil.org
    Jamie Henn, jamie [at] fossilfree.media

    Climate Activists React to Biden’s Moves to Ban Fossil Fuel Executives from Transition Team 

    Washington, DC — After pressure from progressives and climate activists, Vice President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that he is barring fossil fuel company leaders and executives from his presidential transition team. 

    This September, over 145 organizations sent Biden a letter requesting that he ban fossil fuel executives, lobbyists, and representatives from his campaign and administration. 

    Today’s announcement from the transition team should block controversial figures like former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, who served on the board of Southern Company and regularly advises fossil fuel companies, as well as former Obama Administration official Heather Zichal, who earned $1 million as an advisor and board member for Cheniere Energy, a natural gas company. 

    According to polling from Data for Progress and Fossil Free Media, voters oppose fossil fuel industry lobbyists or representatives working in the executive branch by a 22-point margin. 61 percent of Democrats oppose fossil fuel industry representatives working in the administration, while only 22 percent are open to the idea. 

    Groups involved in the push to ban fossil fuel lobbyists issued the following responses: 

    “Committing to a fossil-free transition team is exactly what we need to see heading into a new administration. Keeping fossil fuel representatives out of the federal government is a position that’s extremely popular with the public, and builds on the key improvements Biden has made to his climate plan, said Collin Rees, Senior Campaigner at Oil Change U.S. “We look forward to this common-sense commitment being extended to cover an eventual Biden Cabinet and administration.” 

    “We’re heartened to see Joe Biden and Kamala Harris listen to grassroots climate hawks,” said RL Miller, political director of Climate Hawks Vote. “Fossil fuel advocates have no place on an administration dedicated to healing the harm Trump has caused and committed to 100 percent clean and renewable electricity by 2035.”

    “This language doesn’t just block people with fossil fuel connections from the transition team, it sets a clear precedent that they should have no place in a future Biden Administration. It’s a promising sign that Biden is preparing to take a more aggressive stance when it comes to the fossil fuel companies that are causing the climate crisis,” said Jamie Henn, director of Fossil Free Media. 

    “A fossil-free transition team is a bare minimum for the distance a Biden administration must keep the cheerleaders of continued fossil fuel use,” said Mitch Jones, Policy Director at Food & Water Action. “The Biden campaign should commit now to excluding fossil fuel champions from any role in a Biden administration. We look forward to working with the Biden transition team and with a Biden administration to assure that they are staffed with climate champions committed to handing on a habitable planet to future generations.”

    “Rejecting fossil fuel influence is a smart move for the Biden-Harris campaign. Voters are hungry to elect a climate champion. Joe Biden is running on the most ambitious climate platform in history, but it won’t mean much if his transition team is stacked with oil and gas insiders. Biden would do well to distance himself from the failed approach of the Trump administration, which is teeming with corporate lobbyists and fossil fuel cronies. While aiming to reject fossil fuel influence from his transition team is a strong start, this is not the end of the road. We urge Biden to commit to banning all fossil fuel executives and lobbyists from his cabinet and administration. Personnel is policy, and we need experts in the White House who put climate and environmental justice ahead of corporate profits,” said Charlie Jiang, Climate Campaigner at Greenpeace USA.

    “Sunrise Movement is pleased to see the Biden-Harris team recognize that there is no place on their transition team for people tied to fossil fuel executives and believe that they should extend this commitment to their cabinet and administration appointments,” said Lauren Maunus, Legislative Manager at Sunrise Movement. “Young people and people around the country are ready for a new chapter in this country in which we prioritize bold climate action that creates millions of good, union jobs and addresses the wounds of systemic racism and economic inequality. Excluding fossil fuel CEOs and their allies helps make this future possible.”

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  • Biden Urged by 145 Groups to Ban Fossil Fuel Representatives in Campaign & Administration

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    September 1, 2020

    Contact:
    Collin Rees, collin [at] priceofoil.org
    Ryan Schleeter, rschleet [at] greenpeace.org
    Jamie Henn, jamie [at] fossilfree.media

    Biden Urged by 145 Groups to Ban Fossil Fuel Representatives in Campaign & Administration

    Today, 145 groups sent a joint letter urging Joe Biden to ban all fossil fuel executives, lobbyists, and representatives from any advisory or official position on his campaign, transition team, cabinet, and administration. The groups ranged from progressive to youth to faith to environmental justice to climate groups and beyond, and cited new polling from Data for Progress and Fossil Free Media showing strong opposition to fossil fuel representatives serving in a Biden administration.

    Click here to read the joint letter from 145 groups to the Biden campaign.

    “My generation is on the line and Biden will lose significant support from young people, as well as everyone else concerned about climate change, were he to allow any fossil fuel executives, lobbyists, or other representatives onto his campaign or administration in any form. Joe Biden has made a commitment to an aggressive climate plan but no climate action commitment can stand in the face of fossil fuel influence. If Biden truly cares about young people like me, he will ban any fossil fuel representatives from taking part in his team,” said Lana Weidgenant, Deputy Director of Partnerships at Zero Hour.

    “Joe Biden can’t address the climate crisis while listening to people taking checks from the fossil fuel industry like Ernest Moniz, Jason Bordoff, Ken Salazar, and Heather Zichal. Biden must act boldly in collaboration with grassroots leaders fighting for environmental and climate justice — which means ruling out positions for dangerous ‘all-of-the-above’ boosters whose time has passed,” said Collin Rees, Senior Campaigner at Oil Change U.S. 

    “In a time of cascading crises that will require a just and thoughtful recovery, fossil fuel CEOs have shown they care only about their bottom line. Joe Biden put forward an ambitious plan to advance environmental justice, tackle the climate emergency, and build back better from the crises we face. But personnel is policy. Stacking the White House with fossil fuel industry executives and lobbyists is a Trump move, and Biden should know better. Our movements — and millions of voters — demand a president ready to look fossil fuel CEOs in the eye and tell them their reign is over,” said Charlie Jiang, climate campaigner with Greenpeace USA. 

    “Joe Biden is championing the most aggressive climate and environmental justice plan of any presidential candidate ever. But if he hires fossil fuel representatives, he’ll lose any credibility he has built among youth activists, frontline communities, and all of us impacted by the climate crisis. We are under no illusion that the same people who extracted massive wealth by creating this existential problem will have any real interest or ability to solve it,” said Kaniela Ing, Climate Justice Director with People’s Action.

    “A leader cannot stand for the people and not protect the people. This current administration has provided us with the results of said behavior and it has not gone well. The people deserve to be protected over profit. Joe Biden’s recent commitment to an aggressive climate plan that includes environmental justice protects the people. After making such a commitment it is expected that it would be fulfilled. The fossil fuel industry has not only done extreme damage to the environment it has also done extreme damage to black, brown, indigenous, and poor communities. We call on the Biden Administration and the DNC to partner with the desires of the suffering by saying no to having fossil fuel representatives in the Biden Administration,” said Rev. Michael Malcom of the People’s Justice Council.

    “Look no farther than Pennsylvania — its citizens who have suffered the health, safety, and economic harms inflicted by shale gas development and its forests and farmlands that have been irreversibly scarred as shale gas infrastructure has metastasized to every part of the state — to see what happens when government and industry become almost indistinguishable from one another. We know all too well that we will not be free of fossil fuels until our government is. Joe Biden can and must be the first fossil fuel-free president,” said Karen Feridun, co-founder of the Better Path Coalition in Pennsylvania.

    “Biden’s pledge to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies is sure to become an empty promise with fossil fuel emissaries whispering in his ear. We do not need a repeat of Obama’s all-of-the-above strategy which gave us the largest expansion of oil and gas production in U.S. history,” said Karen Grainey, co-director of Center for a Sustainable Coast.

    “For forty years the fossil fuel industry has deceived the American public about the consequences of our dependence on oil and gas. They’ve continued their rapacious march toward disaster while people watch their health and that of their land and water deteriorate. As the earth’s ecosystems begin to unravel due to carbon fueled climate change, this industry’s only concern is to drain the last drop of profit from a dying planet. Allowing fossil fuel representatives to have a seat at the energy policy table will destroy any credibility the Biden administration might claim on energy and environment leadership. We ask that you stand with integrity and embrace the energy of the future,” said Kevin Ionno, chair of the Climate Reality Project of Coastal Georgia.

    “As Elizabeth Warren says, personnel is policy. When Bush and Trump were in charge, putting Big Oil executives at the decision-making table was an active policy choice that cost us dearly. We are now out of time with the climate crisis and need people at the table who will support — not slow walk — Biden’s ambitious climate proposals in his Build Back Better plan,” said Caitlin Lang, spokesperson for the Progressive Change Campaign Committee.

    “We’ve all seen the disastrous policy produced by personnel in the Trump Administration. But it’s important for Joe Biden to remember that the same was true for him and President Obama: If you personnel in charge who have been paid millions by the fossil fuel, nuclear and other polluting industries, you will get bad policy too. Real change takes courage, it takes effort, and it takes a change in staffing — anything else is the definition of madness,” said Liz Butler, Vice President of Organizing and Strategic Alliances at Friends of the Earth Action.

    “We are in a climate emergency. Even as Covid-19 rages on, fossil fuel interests continue to prioritize profits over people, lobbying for financial secrecy, bailouts, and environmental rollbacks. For the sake of our children, and the future of this country and our world, the Biden Administration cannot risk depending on fossil fuel interests to guide decision-making on climate policy,” said Fatema Sumar, Vice President of Global Programs, Oxfam America. 

    “There is an inherent conflict between the interests of our people and the interests of corporate CEOs, and hiring fossil fuel executives to institute an environmental justice plan would be the equivalent of hiring a fox to run the hen house. Communities most hurt most by the climate injustice that fossil fuels have brought down on our world are those same marginalized people who are hurt most by every aspect of our current systems where corporate profits are prioritized over people,” said Mohammed Missouri, Executive Director of Jetpac.

    “This election is a matter of life or death for our generation, and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris can only win if young people show up to vote for them in historic numbers. It’s time for Biden to show young people he will fight for our generation by publicly committing to keep fossil fuel executives, lobbyists, and consultants off his team. We cannot afford this polluting influence in a Biden campaign or administration,” said Lauren Maunus, Legislative Manager, Sunrise Movement. 

    “As fossil-fueled fires burn and super-storms rage, the stakes could not be higher for Vice President Biden to listen to the people — not a handful of fossil fuel executives and frack-happy allies like Ernest Moniz. There’s simply no way to fend off climate catastrophe and end environmental racism without tackling fossil fuels, and there’s no path to phase out fossil fuel extraction so long as Big Oil has the White House on speed dial,” said Brett Hartl, Chief Political Strategist at Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund.

    “Thanks to the environment and climate movement’s decades of tireless work to make decision-makers act boldly, the Biden-Harris campaign has adopted the strongest climate platform of any presidential ticket in history. However, real progress will be measured by relationship to communities most impacted and investments in the same. Fossil fuel representatives have no place at the table except to hand over their dirty profits to rebuild what they have broken. Any accomodation to fossil fuel executives will undermine the promise of our  shared work and throw away our chances of a livable future in the climate decade,” said Tamara Toles O’Laughlin of 350 Action.

    Click here to read the full letter.

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