Tag: climate

  • 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. 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 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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  • Oil Change U.S. Responds to Biden Selections on Energy and Climate

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    December 15, 2020

    Contact:
    Collin Rees, collin [at] priceofoil.org

    Oil Change U.S. Responds to Biden Selections on Energy and Climate

    Multiple news outlets have now confirmed the selection of former Michigan Governor Jennifer Graholm as President-Elect Joe Biden’s Secretary of Energy and former EPA Administrator as Biden’s domestic “climate czar.”

    In response to these announcements, Collin Rees, Senior Campaigner at Oil Change U.S., released the following statement:

    “These selections are a major victory for the broad and diverse movement pushing Joe Biden to keep top contenders with dangerous fossil fuel ties out of his Cabinet and administration. 

    “Gina McCarthy is a proven climate advocate with the experience to hit the ground running and coordinate an all-of-government response to the climate crisis. She’s been a strong champion for fossil fuel divestment in recent years, and made clear that the fossil fuel era is coming to a close. And she has increasingly recognized the critical importance of environmental justice in climate policy, which should serve her well in this role in the Biden administration. 

    “Jennifer Granholm is an experienced leader with a strong record of support for renewable energy and opposition to the disastrous Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines. She understands the urgency of the climate crisis and the need to confront the fossil fuel industry, previously stating, ‘We ought to be doing everything we possibly can to keep fossil fuel energy in the ground and develop renewables.’ 

    “Joe Biden’s entire government must be dedicated to mobilizing for an end to the fossil fuel era, and these announcements are a step in the right direction. We look forward to working with McCarthy and Granholm to combat the climate crisis and emphasize environmental justice in everything Biden’s administration does.” 

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    Notes to Editors

    – Previously, 145 organizations sent a letter to the Biden campaign opposing all fossil fuel-connected appointees: https://oilchangeus.org/biden-personnel-letter

    – In November, advocates launched a dedicated website opposed to Ernest Moniz and other fossil fuel representatives serving in a Biden administration: https://nomoniz.org

    – In June 2019, Joe Biden has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge to reject contributions from the PACs, lobbyists, and executives of oil, gas, and coal companies: http://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1144357988523659264

    – More recently, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris released a Transition Ethics Plan specifically prohibiting fossil fuel company leaders from serving as staff on their transition team: https://oilchangeus.org/climate-activists-react-biden-ban-fossil-fuel-transition

    – Jennifer Granholm has previously taken a strong stance against the Dakota Access oil pipeline, which Joe Biden will have the opportunity to stop through executive action: https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/303947-clinton-ally-blasts-dakota-access-pipeline

  • Response to Biden Presidential Election Victory

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    November 7, 2020

    Contact:
    David Turnbull, david [at] priceofoil.org

    Oil Change U.S. Response to Biden Presidential Election Victory

    Multiple news outlets have now confirmed the results of enough states to give Joe Biden the necessary 270 electoral votes to win the presidential election. In response, Oil Change U.S. experts released the following statements:

    Elizabeth Bast, Executive Director:

    “The victory of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris over Donald Trump is an important victory for democracy against fascism. It’s a win for the climate and for trusting science, and it’s a win for all who fought to stand up to Trump and his blatant racism and misogyny. But the work is nowhere near over. These next four years may be the most critical years we’ve ever seen — for the climate, for restoring our democracy, and for pushing back against growing white supremacy and moving towards real racial justice.

    “Joe Biden said he will transition the U.S. away from oil, and we’re here for it. The American public is desperate for real climate action, and we look forward to working with the Biden and Harris administration to live up to all they’ve promised. This includes taking critical first steps in winding down an out of control fossil fuel industry in the United States: stopping the Keystone XL pipeline yet again, ending fossil fuel leases on public lands, ending fossil fuel subsidies and finance, implementing strong environmental justice standards and respecting Indigenous sovereignty, and recommitting to international climate leadership through re-engaging with the Paris Agreement and leading the G20 in a transition away from fossil fuels.

    “There is much work to do, but we welcome this opportunity to advance our collective efforts for climate justice and a managed decline of fossil fuels.”

     

    Rebecca Concepcion Apostol, National Program Director:

    “While the Biden climate plan is perhaps the most ambitious of any incoming President, we know it’s still not enough to protect our climate and communities from the mounting disasters we are facing all over the country. After a round of well-deserved celebrations, we’ll get back to work pushing with the urgency our climate crisis requires. A critical first step in the days ahead is ensuring Biden appoints true climate champions to all key positions and keeps fossil fuel representatives and lobbyists out of the incoming administration.

    “We need to see a new Biden administration move aggressively to phase out fossil fuel production in the United States with a people-centered just transition for workers and communities, including enacting ambitious executive orders to get the ball rolling immediately upon taking office, and working to instate climate action that matches the needs of the people.”

     

    Alex Doukas, Stop Funding Fossils Program Director:

    “Joe Biden has repeatedly committed to ending the billions in subsidies that go to the fossil fuel industry each year, and we look forward to holding him to this commitment. Biden has spoken frequently about moving the United States into a leadership position on climate, and one way he can back that rhetoric up is to end U.S. public support for fossil fuel production abroad. This would mean ending dirty finance overseas via the Export Import Bank, Development Finance Corporation, and U.S. participation in multilateral development banks, while delivering on Biden’s campaign promise to get a G20 commitment on ending export finance for high-carbon projects, including all fossil fuel infrastructure.”

     

    Collin Rees, Senior Campaigner:

    “This election has played out in a time of extreme turmoil — it’s happened amidst a deadly pandemic, an unprecedented uprising against racial injustice, and a climate crisis seizing headlines like never before. People-powered movements have changed the public conversation, and climate is now a top concern for voters.

    “Progressives across the country in swing districts and swing states proved that by leaning into bold, winning messages like standing up to Big Oil’s dirty dollars, providing health care for all, and defunding the racist police state, Democrats can win big. But the conversation in DC is stuck in the past, and we’ll need to push harder than ever to stop false solutions and win the transformative climate agenda we need. Joe Biden must lay out a bold agenda on climate from Day One, and we’ll be here to hold him to it.”

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  • Oil Change U.S. Response to Final Presidential Debate

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 22, 2020

    Contact:
    Rebecca Concepcion Apostol, rebecca [at] priceofoil.org
    David Turnbull, david [at] priceofoil.org

    Oil Change U.S. Response to Final Presidential Debate

    Tonight, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden faced off in the final debate before the election. Oil Change U.S. has endorsed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for President and Vice President. See our previous statement here. In response to tonight’s debate, Rebecca Concepcion Apostol, National Program Director of Oil Change U.S. released the following statement:

    “As if we could have expected anything less, tonight was yet another opportunity to see the drastic difference between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. On one hand, we have a measured, reasonable public servant who clearly understands the gravity of the climate crisis, that families belong together, and we must confront critical issues facing our country. While we may not always agree with his approach, we can see his willingness to listen, proven by a commitment to ending federal subsidies to the oil industry, and we look forward to finding solutions and common ground. On the other hand, we have Donald Trump, unhinged and desperate, flailing about, spewing a combination of lies and hateful rhetoric at every turn.

    “With just over a week to the election, it’s fundamentally clear that our democracy, our humanity, and our climate are all at stake. A second term of Donald Trump would be a disaster of historic proportions. A Joe Biden administration would give us a fighting chance at a more just world for all our families, and we look forward to engaging in that fight once Biden is elected.”

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    Oil Change U.S. 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. Read more at http://oilchangeus.org.

  • Oil Change U.S. endorses Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 7, 2020

    Contact:
    Rebecca Concepcion Apostol, rebecca [at] priceofoil.org
    David Turnbull, david [at] priceofoil.org
    Collin Rees, collin [at] priceofoil.org

    Oil Change U.S. endorses Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for President and Vice President

    Today, Oil Change U.S. is announcing its endorsement of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for President and Vice President of the United States. Elizabeth Bast, Executive Director of Oil Change U.S., provided the following statement:

    “Last week’s debate was just the latest reflection of how desperately our country needs a change in leadership, and tonight’s vice-presidential debate should show more of the same. The path towards greater climate and racial justice is clear: it’s the one with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the White House. That’s why Oil Change U.S. is endorsing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for President and Vice President of the United States.

    “While Biden showed at the first debate that he’s ready to listen and lead on climate, Donald Trump once again showed how a second term of his administration would be disastrous for everyone. His deadly politics of racism, fear, white supremacy, and climate denial was on full display at the debate. Trump further demonstrated his blatant disregard for others with his handling of the COVID-19 outbreak within the White House. No one — not a single one of us — can afford a second term of Donald Trump.

    “Since the start of this campaign, Joe Biden has been on a journey of listening, adjusting, and improvement. He’s shown that he’s willing to hear critique and adjust course. His running mate Kamala Harris has centered justice in her understanding of the climate crisis and has proposed new ideas on phasing out fossil fuel production. Donald Trump is trying desperately to claim that Biden has ‘lost the left’ in order to depress voter turnout; in reality, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are broadening their coalition every day in response to Trump’s campaign of hate and fear.

    “Oil Change U.S. was not shy to critique Joe Biden throughout the primary campaign. We pointed out where his plans fell short, and when he took advice from the wrong advisors. But we also know he’s listening — both Biden and Harris are signatories of the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge, and even in the last week they’ve announced fossil fuel executives will have no place in their transition team. With Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the White House, we know there will be room to shape a more just and equitable future.”

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    Oil Change U.S. 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. Read more at http://oilchangeus.org.

  • Oil Change U.S. says “Absolutely Not” to Oil Bailout

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 10, 2020

    Contact:
    David Turnbull, david [at] priceofoil [dot] org

    Oil Change U.S. says “Absolutely Not” to Oil Bailout

    The Washington Post and other outlets reported today that the Trump administration is considering a bailout to the U.S. oil industry in the wake of an oil price war and declining demand in part related to reduced travel and commerce due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, David Turnbull, Strategic Communications Director with Oil Change U.S., released the following statement:

    “In response to any suggested oil industry bailout, we have two words: Absolutely not.”

    “The fossil fuel industry is already the recipient of billions of dollars of wasteful taxpayer subsidies each year. Adding more to that pile would be putting good money after extremely bad. Of course the oil-soaked Trump administration is seizing on a moment of crisis to pad the pockets of their billionaire oil industry friends, but lawmakers in Washington should do whatever they can to stop this from happening. This crisis calls for investment in the future with a Green New Deal, not propping up the dirty past.”

    “Rather than bailing out the corporations driving our climate crisis and playing part in a volatile oil price war, we need investment in a Green New Deal to support the people who will be most impacted by this crash: the workers. A Green New Deal can help redeploy oil field workers into jobs that are not constantly at risk from oil’s boom and bust cycles and geopolitical wrangling.”

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  • Oil Change U.S. endorses Bernie Sanders for Democratic Presidential Nomination

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 9, 2020

    CONTACT:
    Rebecca Concepcion Apostol, rebecca@priceofoil.org
    David Turnbull, david@priceofoil.org

    Oil Change U.S. endorses Bernie Sanders for Democratic Presidential Nomination

     

    Today, Oil Change U.S. (OCUS) is announcing its endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. In response, Rebecca Concepcion Apostol, National Program Director of Oil Change U.S. provided the following statement:

    “Thanks to years of organizing, communities raising the alarm, our youth striking, and candidates taking note, our climate crisis is center stage in 2020. We need a climate champion to face off against the fossil-fueled denial of Donald Trump. Bernie Sanders is that candidate.

    “Bernie Sanders’s Green New Deal climate plan provides the ambition needed for the U.S. to become a global leader in the climate fight.1 It includes a clear intent to phase out fossil fuel production, commits to a just transition for our workers, and ensures justice for frontline communities. We believe Bernie Sanders will stand up to the industry that is causing this climate crisis every day.

    “We at Oil Change U.S. work to kick fossil fuel money out of politics, keep fossil fuels in the ground, and build political support for real climate leaders. Bernie Sanders shares these goals. He stands head and shoulders above his remaining primary opponent when it comes to his commitment to tackling the climate crisis.

    “Oil Change US’s focus is on climate and energy policies, and our climate justice crisis sits within a broader context of fights for justice for communities across our country. On critical issues such as immigration rights, access to healthcare, access to higher education, and economic justice, Bernie Sanders presents a vision for America that we stand behind.

    “To beat Donald Trump in November, it is absolutely critical that the issues that matter to the Democratic base — particularly young people and people of color who are already feeling the impacts fossil fuel production and the climate crisis — are fought for and taken on by a Democratic nominee committed to justice for all of us. Our climate crisis cannot afford four more years of inaction or even four more years of modest action that does not meet the scale of the problem.

    “We believe, as Bernie Sanders does, that our climate crisis presents us with our single greatest opportunity to build a more just and equitable future. We need someone new to come into the White House with a vision for climate action that is up to the task, and Bernie Sanders holds that vision. Bernie Sanders has shown what true climate leadership looks like and we know he will bring us closer to the promise of justice for all.”

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    MORE INFORMATION:

  • No Fossil Fuel Money pledge reaches 2000 signers

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    January 29, 2020

    Contact:
    David Turnbull, david [at] priceofoil [dot] org
    Collin Rees, collin [at] priceofoil [dot] org

    No Fossil Fuel Money pledge reaches 2000 signers

    Rejecting fossil cash now a minimum standard for climate leadership

    Just two and a half years since it was launched, the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge has garnered its 2000th signer this week, with the signing of the pledge by U.S. Senate candidate Charles Booker in Kentucky.

    Launched in July of 2017 by a coalition of national and state-based organizations seeking to combat the role of fossil fuel industry money in state and national politics, the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge has seen a rapid rise in prominence at all levels of politics in the U.S.

    “Rejecting the influence of the fossil fuel industry is now a minimum standard for any Democrat seeking office, and certainly any candidate wishing to be seen as a climate champion. We’re thrilled to see fossil fuel money going the way of tobacco money — it’s toxic to our democracy, our communities, and our climate,” said David Turnbull, Strategic Communications Director with Oil Change U.S., one of the key organizations supporting the pledge efforts.

    A few key statistics regarding the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge signers:

    • Candidates in 49 states plus the District of Columbia have signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge. (North Dakota is the only remaining state without a signer.)
    • Every remaining major candidate in the Democratic Presidential primary has signed the pledge, meaning the eventual nominee will be a No Fossil Fuel Money pledge signer. (Deval Patrick, a former Texaco executive and latecomer to the Democratic race, has declined to sign the pledge thus far. He is polling at less than one percent.)
    • Over 50 sitting members of Congress have signed the pledge.
    • Some 550 sitting officeholders have taken the pledge across the country, at various levels of government.
    • 29 Republican candidates have taken the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge, largely at the local and state levels.

    “From local council elections to the presidential race, fossil fuel executives are always looking to exert influence and protect their bottom line. With billions in taxpayer subsidies at stake and a growing movement standing up to out-of-control fossil fuel expansion, it’s no wonder Big Oil tries to buy political favor,” said Collin Rees, Senior Campaigner with Oil Change U.S. “That’s why the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge is so important — it’s a statement to communities that the signer will stand up and fight back against the big polluters wrecking the planet.”

    The full list of No Fossil Fuel Money pledge signers can be found here: http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/pledge-signers/

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