Tag: congress

  • 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.

  • 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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  • Oil Change U.S. and Partners Launch ‘Gas Is Not Clean’ Campaign

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    September 1, 2021

    Contact:
    Collin Rees, collin@priceofoil.org
    Ellen Sciales, press@sunrisemovement.org

    Oil Change U.S. and Partners Launch ‘Gas Is Not Clean’ Campaign

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Oil Change U.S., Sunrise Movement, Evergreen Action, Sierra Club, Earthjustice, Working Families Party, Greenpeace USA, Indivisible, People’s Action, and other partners launched a joint Gas Is Not Clean campaign aimed at strengthening a potential Clean Energy Standard (CES) — also known as the Clean Energy Payment Program (CEPP) — by ensuring that gas is prohibited. The Gas Is Not Clean campaign will build pressure on politicians to commit to prioritizing truly clean, renewable energy and definitively excluding gas by making clear that gas is not clean, and that every stage of its production — from extraction to processing to transport to combustion — generates toxic air and water pollution.

    The groups and their allies on Capitol Hill are demanding members of Congress make it clear they will fight to keep gas out of a CEPP. The campaign website will track which members of Congress are supporting this priority, and will serve as a resource for House and Senate Leadership to see the broad support among their caucus for excluding gas from any definition of clean energy. The groups behind this campaign will be engaging members of Congress through digital amplification, email and social media campaigns, and local organizing efforts in-District. 

    This campaign comes ahead of the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s anticipated September 13 mark-up session, in which the House committee will advance language for a new clean energy standard to constrain emissions. 

    “With climate disasters coming at us from every direction, the stakes of the reconciliation bill could not be higher. This is our moment to turbocharge the transition to a green, just economy, and the Clean Energy Standard can play a key role – but it needs to be as ambitious as possible on renewables, and it needs to exclude gas. This is not complicated, and we can’t allow the gas industry to confuse the issue. No fossil fuels, period.”
    — U.S.     Representative Jamaal Bowman, NY-16

    “The evidence is clear: Gas is a deadly fossil fuel that’s a disaster for the climate and communities. Any clean energy standard or payment program that allows gas would fly directly in the face of President Biden’s commitment to decarbonization. Clean energy means no gas and no other fossil fuels, period.”
    — Collin Rees, Campaign Manager, Oil Change U.S.

    “We’re making our politicians pick a side — are you with us or fossil fuel executives? The science is clear: there is nothing clean about gas. It’s a potent fossil fuel that pollutes the air we breathe, the water we drink, and is the reason Hurricane Ida intensified to the point of fatality and utter destruction. A CES that includes investments towards gas does not meet the scale of the climate crisis, and is a slap in the face to communities across the country who are facing climate disasters. We deserve a liveable future free of toxic pollution and catastrophic climate disasters. We will continue to pressure members of Congress until they exclude gas from the CES.”
    — Lauren Maunus, Advocacy Director, Sunrise Movement

    “Natural gas is a dirty fossil fuel. Just like oil, it pollutes the air and water wherever it is extracted, produced, and burned. The fossil fuel driven climate crisis is already bringing record heat waves, massive storms, and crippling droughts that are killing people and destroying communities across the country. Natural gas is nothing more than corporate PR and marketing teams trying to rebrand fossil fuels — if oil is Coke, natural gas is New Coke. We can’t afford a Clean Energy Payment Program that pays the fossil fuel industry to continue to destroy our planet and our communities.”
    — Ashley Thomson, Climate Campaigner, Greenpeace USA 

    “At a time when we have unprecedented wildfires, hurricanes, and devastating extreme weather events caused by the climate crisis it is well past time to listen to the science — gas is not clean. Indivisible demands a Clean Electricity Payment Program explicitly excludes gas. Anything less than that sanctions the pollution of our air, water, and communities.”
    — Ann Clancy, Senior Climate Policy Manager, Indivisible

    “A Clean Electricity Payment Program has the potential to displace polluting fossil fuels, secure pollution reductions in overburdened communities, and achieve a 100% carbon pollution-free electricity grid by 2035. Yet we can only achieve these goals if a CEPP does not incentivize or credit gas power generation, which would eliminate any possibility of reaching our GHG reduction commitments and avoiding the worst effects of climate change. In addition to emissions at power plants, when methane leaks are accounted for across the gas production, transmission, and distribution systems, the total GHG impact of gas power is nearly doubled, and the toxic waste left behind from the fracking process continues to harm communities across the country. Continuing to rely on gas will only further the environmental injustices faced by communities of Black, Indigeneous, and other people of color who already disproportionately bear the effects of pollution and climate change.”
     — Kass Rohrbach, Acting Director – Ready for 100, Sierra Club

    “Trying to stop the climate crisis with gas is like trying to put out a fire with gas. It will only make the problem worse.”
    — Jamie DeMarco, Federal & Maryland Policy Director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network

    “We must ban all fossil fuels and greenhouse gas pollution immediately to mitigate the unfolding planetary disaster which Congress shamefully has failed to address.”
    — Todd Fernandez, Executive Director, Climate Crisis Policy

    The full list of groups joining the Gas is Not Clean campaign for today’s launch include:

    – Chesapeake Climate Action Network

    – Climate Crisis Policy

    – Earthjustice

    – Elders Climate Action

    – Evergreen Action

    – Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility

    – Greenpeace USA

    – Indivisible

    – Interfaith Power & Light

    – NDN Collective

    – Oil Change U.S.

    – People’s Action

    – Sierra Club

    – Sunrise Movement

    – Working Families Party

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  • National Groups Announce Endorsement of State Sen. Antoinette Sedillo López in NM-01

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 25, 2021

    Contact:
    Collin Rees, Oil Change U.S., collin [at] priceofoil.org
    Brett Hartl, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund,     bretthartl [at] centeractionfund.org
    Sam Bernhardt, Food & Water Action, sbernhardt [at] fwwatch.org
    Alan Minsky, Progressive Democrats of America, alan [at] pdamerica.org
    Zanagee Artis, Zero Hour, zanagee [at] thisiszerohour.org

    National Groups Announce Endorsement of State Sen. Antoinette Sedillo López in NM-01

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, five national environmental and progressive groups representing tens of thousands of New Mexico voters announced their endorsement of State Senator Antoinette Sedillo López for New Mexico’s 1st Congressional district. The groups announcing their endorsement of Sedillo López include the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Food & Water Action, Oil Change U.S., Progressive Democrats of America, and Zero Hour. 

    Brett Hart, political director at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, said: 

    “Antoinette shares Deb Haaland’s environmental vision, one that puts people and our environment first. She will be a champion for wildlife, a champion for clean air and water, and a tireless advocate to save our climate from the ravages caused by the fossil fuel industry.” 

    Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food & Water Action, said: 

    “Senator Sedillo López has demonstrated time and again a fierce advocacy for environmental justice issues and a bold willingness to stand up to the fossil fuel industry. She will bring the same tenacity and concern for her constituents in Congress as she has done for her district as a New Mexico state senator. New Mexicans need a fighter on their side who will stand up for what is right, and they’ve found a champion in Antoinette Sedillo López.”

    Collin Rees, Senior Campaigner at Oil Change U.S., said: 

    “We need Antoinette Sedillo López’s visionary leadership in Congress. As a state senator she’s been a tireless advocate for communities impacted by the fossil fuel industry’s greed, rejecting industry money and working for an equitable transition beyond oil and gas. Senator Sedillo López will be a worthy successor to Secretary Deb Haaland, carrying on the mantle of progressive and environmental leadership for New Mexicans.”

    Alan Minsky, Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of America, said: 

    “As she proved in the New Mexico State Senate, Antoinette Sedillo López is an unwavering advocate for the people and the planet. Her policy positions — rooted in years of advocacy work in her community, and grounded by a deep commitment to economic, environmental, and social justice — are a template for the transformative politics we need in the 21st century. Sedillo López will be an excellent successor to Deb Haaland in Congress.”

    Zanagee Artis, Policy Director of Zero Hour, said: 

    “Zero Hour knows that Senator Sedillo López will carry forward a bold vision of nationwide renewable energy and an end to fossil fuel reliance as a member of Congress. Antoinette Sedillo López will be a champion for young people in pushing forward the Green New Deal that New Mexicans and youth across the nation need for a livable future. Young people need her in the halls of the U.S. Congress.”

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    The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for legislation and legislators that will advance a progressive environmental agenda. The 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 for Biological Diversity Action Fund, not the Center for Biological Diversity.

    Food & Water Action mobilizes regular 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.

    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. 

    Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) is a national grassroots organization operating both inside and outside of the Democratic Party advocating for peace, social justice, and policies that seriously address the climate emergency. 

    Zero Hour is a youth-led movement creating entry points, training, and resources for new young activists and organizers (and adults who support our vision) wanting to take concrete action around climate change. Together, we are a movement of unstoppable youth organizing to protect our rights and access to the natural resources and a clean, safe, and healthy environment that will ensure a livable future where we not just survive, but flourish.

  • Over 300 Groups Urge Dems to Block Dirty Energy Subsidies in Lame Duck Spending Deal

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    December 10, 2020

    Contact:
    Collin Rees, collin [at] priceofoil.org
    Jim Walsh,     jwalsh [at] fwwatch.org

    Over 300 Groups Urge Dems to Block Dirty Energy Subsidies in Lame Duck Spending Deal

    WASHINGTON, DC — In less than 24 hours, over 300 climate, community, faith, Indigenous, and environmental groups from across the country signed a letter to Democratic leaders voicing opposition to a range of fossil fuel subsidies that could be included in a must-pass appropriations bill.

    As Senate committees work to pass appropriations bills, fears are rising that lawmakers will include provisions that provide subsidies for fossil fuel extraction, offshore drilling and nuclear energy as part of a backroom deal negotiated between Republican and Democratic leadership. The letter raises concerns that these last minute secret amendments could also support ‘false solutions’ being pushed by dirty energy interests like carbon capture and storage, biofuels, carbon offsets and carbon pricing. 

    While none of the backroom deals are public, some media reports point to efforts to include the American Energy Innovation Act and the USE IT Act, which include the dirty energy provisions opposed by the groups.

    The letter — signed by Food & Water Watch, Friends of the Earth, Oil Change U.S., Climate Justice Alliance, Center for Biological Diversity, 350.org, and hundreds of other organizations — pointed to the environmental justice implications of these policies. 

    “Ramming through deeply unpopular proposals in the dead of night via a must-pass spending bill is the worst possible way to do energy policy,” said Collin Rees, Senior Campaigner at Oil Change U.S. “Congress must drop this plan for dirty fossil fuel handouts in the lame-duck and start fresh with legislation that actually centers the experiences of communities impacted by Black, Indigenous, and frontline communities impacted by environmental racism and fossil fuel extraction.”

    “We need urgent action on climate change and justice for the frontline, Black, Indigenous and communities of color that have been disproportionately burdened by dirty energy. Instead of promoting climate justice, advancing these provisions will further increase our dependence on dirty energy by propping up the very industries that are creating the climate crisis and devastating communities,” said Mitch Jones, Policy Director at Food & Water Watch.

    “Congress cannot continue subsidizing this failing industry and worsening our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Nicole Ghio, Senior Fossil Fuels Program Manager at Friends of the Earth. “Diverting even more resources towards the same dirty industries responsible for the climate crisis only encourages more pollution in frontline, Black, Indigenous and communities of color. We need climate justice, not more corporate subsidies.”

    “Catholics believe in science and the common good. New evidence comes out every week showing how sensible, cost-effective, and important it is to make a more rapid shift to  renewable energy. This depends on stopping further investment in fossil fuels though, and doing our fair share, which is about twice the global average reductions needed (about 6% of existing fossil fuel production annually). Scientists, the Pope, and the Climate Vulnerable Forum were clear in 2014 and 2015 that the 1.5 C there is no time for delay, yet that is what we’ve continued to do. It’s time for that rapid shift,” said Marie Venner, Co-Chair at CatholicNetwork.US and RapidShift.net.

    Click here to read the full letter and list of signatories.

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  • Oil Change U.S. and 100+ Organizations Urge Congress to Reject $400+ Billion Fossil Fuel Bailout

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 24, 2020

    CONTACT:
    Matt Maiorana, matt [at] priceofoil [dot] org
    Collin Rees, collin [at] priceofoil [dot] org

    Oil Change U.S. and 100+ organizations urge Congress to Reject $400 Billion Fossil Fuel Bailout


    Today, Oil Change U.S., in addition to more than 100 climate, environmental, social-justice, and workers’ rights groups urged Congress to reject Republican efforts to assist the fossil fuel industry and instead focus relief legislation on the American people. Their message can be found below:

    Dear Members of Congress,

    As our nation suffers from the novel coronavirus pandemic, the fossil fuel industry is trying to cash in on Congress’ emergency relief legislation. The Senate Republican proposal would open the door to billions in handouts to coal, oil and gas companies and fossil fuel-intensive industries, instead of providing relief directly to the people who desperately need it. This is beyond outrageous. On behalf of our millions of supporters and members, we request that you exercise your authority to protect people, not polluters. We insist that you focus all legislation on emergency relief and a just recovery, and that you refuse to support any bill that gives money to fossil fuel corporations. We call on you to advance real solutions that follow the Five Principles for Just COVID-19 Relief and Stimulus,[1] and further demand that you pass emergency legislation that responds to the call of the people for leadership as follows.

    1. Legislation must focus on combating the coronavirus pandemic and providing emergency relief directly to the people and communities who need it.

    We support proposals that provide wage replacement directly to workers who have lost their jobs and to those working drastically reduced hours — with no strings attached and no means testing — rather than proposals that give away the people’s money to some of the world’s largest polluters. We support proposals that ensure high-quality healthcare and paid sick leave for all people, and that strengthen unions and enhance critical protections for workers. The people cannot afford a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis, where the plight of ordinary people was an afterthought while corporations and corporate boards received outlandish financial handouts. As explained by nearly 600 organizations in a separate letter,[2] Congress must protect at-risk Americans by immediately instituting a nationwide moratorium on all electricity, water, and other essential utility shut-offs–a problem that disproportionately impacts low-wealth households, especially in communities of color and American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

    2. There must be absolutely no funding for fossil fuel executives and shareholders or that would promote fossil fuel production or infrastructure.

    The fossil fuel industry already receives billions in subsidies. Fossil fuel executives have always sought to maximize their profits at the expense of people and planet. As the world’s largest polluters, they have held back progress for far too long by blocking policies that would have provided just and sustainable energy alternatives to fossil fuels. This moment presents a historic opportunity to provide long-term economic security for fossil fuel workers and fossil fuel-dependent communities; follow the best available climate change science in transitioning rapidly away from all fossil fuel production and use; and hold fossil fuel polluters accountable.

    The people do not support hand-outs of any kind to fossil fuel polluters. All tax breaks, credits or trickle down schemes that give money to fossil fuel corporations rather than workers; waivers or suspensions of environmental, health, and safety laws; low-interest loans and loan guarantees; purchases into or expansion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; royalty relief; new subsidies; and any additional giveaways must be stripped from the relief legislation. In addition, we oppose any efforts to bail out large fossil fuel corporations by allowing these companies to qualify for the Senate’s proposed $425 billion slush fund that supports an “eligible business” for loans or loan guarantees.

    As explained by over 200 organizations in a separate letter,[3] any relief to the airline industry must be conditioned on requiring airlines take necessary steps to ensure the safety of our climate, impacted workers, and affected communities. The airline industry’s greenhouse gas pollution cannot be effectively or fairly addressed through the use of offsets, net zero targets, or through the promotion of today’s unsustainable biofuels. Congress must require all airlines which receive relief funding to adopt all aviation emissions reductions technology and practices available today, and compel the industry to modernize through strong, technology-forcing regulations towards zero emissions over time.

    The same principles apply to any relief to massive foreign cruise ship corporations that pollute our environment, take advantage of tax loopholes, and flag ships in foreign countries. Any bailout should be focused on providing relief to impacted workers and affected communities, not the industry itself, and must ensure the industry does not return to business as usual.

    3. Funds should be provided for investment in zero emissions, sustainable energy technologies and equitable programs that will support healthy communities free of pollution.

    Once the emergency phase of novel coronavirus response has passed, Congress must turn its attention to spurring a sustainable and just economic recovery that provides the solutions needed to respond to the scale of the economic and climate emergencies. The novel coronavirus pandemic is in many ways analogous to the disruptions that the climate crisis will, and has already, caused. Stimulus and recovery funds must be directed toward sustainable and renewable technologies and equitable and democratic programs as part of a planned phaseout of fossil fuel production that will provide long-term protections for the workers and communities who have powered our economy for decades and empower communities, especially Black and Indigenous communities and communities of color, in a sustainable and just economy.

    To give just a few examples, funds should be provided for massive investment in sustainable and renewable energy and decentralized, democratic sustainable energy systems like community solar, microgrids, and priority grid access for renewable energy. These systems are vital so that people whose electricity is now cut off by utilities will no longer need to rely on dirty centralized power, increasing their resilience in crises like these and the climate emergency–as supported by nearly 600 organizations.[4] Unprecedented financing must also be directed to transforming our dirty transportation system through subsidizing all electric buses, rail cars, and other zero-emissions public transport that serves the people who need it most. This must also include not only subsidizing the electrification of ferry systems and domestic commercial shipping, but also the buildout of renewable shore power infrastructure in our nation’s ports. This must be done in tandem with nation-wide electric vehicle charging and other infrastructure to speed the manufacturing and deployment of electric vehicles, including for freight and heavy duty vehicles. Funds should also be provided to create nation-wide energy efficiency programs to retrofit the buildings sector.

    As discussed below, these technology investments must also be made with equal investments in people, where training programs and support for unions and high-road labor standards will help create dignified, family-sustaining jobs.

    The just transition off of fossil fuels will also create life-saving health benefits due to the reduction in air and water pollution and other harms from these dirty fuels. And in many jurisdictions, renewable energy today is at cost parity or even substantially cheaper than fossil fuels. Consumers will thus benefit tremendously from the shift to clean, renewable energy.

    4. Recovery funds should provide long-term security in the just and equitable energy transition for fossil fuel workers and communities economically dependent on fossil fuel production.

    The oil and gas industry is already undergoing inevitable decline — a volatile boom and bust cycle out of our control. Global uncertainty, oil price instability, COVID-19 and the resulting economic downturn are only exacerbating the industry’s recent history of debt accrual and mismanagement. Oilfield workers already face layoffs — a preview of hardships to come if the transition to a clean energy future is not well-managed. The need has never been greater for a thoughtful, robust plan to manage the energy transition while protecting impacted communities, workers, and their families.

    In addition to the emergency relief provided to all workers whose livelihoods are threatened during the coronavirus pandemic, we call on Congress to provide long-term support for workers in the oil, gas, and coal industries while managing the transition away from fossil fuels. We can better protect oil, coal, and fracked gas workers for the long haul by investing in a just, collaborative, and deliberative transition to a sustainable economy. While we create millions of dignified, family-sustaining jobs in climate protection, not extraction, Congress must ensure that every worker displaced in the energy transition is provided with wage replacement and guaranteed pensions and benefits, opportunities for alternative quality employment, relocation assistance, the option of age-appropriate retirement, and other assurances they can continue to provide for their families in the move to an economy beyond fossil fuels. Communities that rely on tax revenue from fossil fuel production to provide critical public services must also not be left behind, and should receive tax base replacement assistance.

    We must also hold fossil fuel companies accountable to meet their existing obligations to their workers. Fossil fuel companies must be required to fulfill wages and pension obligations, pay to clean up pollution and revitalize the communities in which they operate, and protect existing labor contracts and uphold obligations to their workers, retirees, communities, and the environment in bankruptcy proceedings.

    5. Congress must ensure stimulus plans protect the economy from the risks of climate change.

    The people demand accountability. Leadership must avoid the relaxation of rules on financial institutions. Weakening standards will impact our ability to weather future crises, particularly the climate crisis. Congressional leadership must avoid a backdoor bailout for the fossil fuel industry. Instead, policymakers should be bolstering the resilience of the financial system to protect the people from the climate shock that is barreling towards us. Policymakers should refrain from further deregulation of the financial industry and implement new regulations to protect the economy and the American public from the climate crisis.

    In order to prepare the economy to weather the coming climate crisis, the US government should require banks, asset managers, and other financial institutions to phase out financing for and investments in fossil fuels and support the transition to a green economy. Leadership should ensure that any proposed legislation does not rollback requirements to disclose climate-related risk (or efforts to create those requirements) and does not eliminate requirements to undertake climate-related stress tests (or efforts to create those requirements).

    Congress must take all of the actions described herein to protect the American people. These actions will also help address our country’s responsibility, as the world’s largest greenhouse emitter, to redress the legacy of global injustice from fossil fuel extraction and use that disproportionately impacts countries in the Global South.

    Thank you for your consideration.

    ###

    MORE INFORMATION:

    – The “Five Principles for Just COVID-19 Relief and Stimulus” can be found here: https://thepeoplesbailout.org/

    – The full list of signatories are listed below:

    ActionAid USA
    Animals Are Sentient Beings, Inc.
    Animas Valley Institute
    Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
    Athens County’s Future Action Network (ACFAN.org, OH)
    Azul
    BeanCounters Unlimited
    Biofuelwatch
    Brighter Green
    Catskill Mountainkeeper
    Center for a Competitive Waste Industry
    Center for Biological Diversity
    Center for Climate Change and Health
    Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University
    Center For Sustainable Economy
    Central Maryland Beeekeepers Assoc
    CEO Pipe Organs/Golden Ponds Farm
    Climate Defense Project
    Climate Hawks Vote
    Co-op Power
    Conservation Congress
    Cooperative Energy Futures
    Corporate Accountability
    Deep Green Resistance New York City
    Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice
    Dogwood Alliance
    Earth Justice Ministries
    Earthworks
    Eco-Eating
    Eco-Justice Collaborative
    EcoWorks
    Flight Free USA
    Food & Water Action
    Frac Sand Sentinel: Project Outreach
    Frack Free Catskills
    FracTracker Alliance
    Friends of the Bitterroot
    Friends of the Earth
    Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association
    Greater Brunswick PeaceWorks
    Green Belt Movement International- NA
    Green Door Initiative
    GreenLatinos
    Greenpeace USA
    Hammond Climate Solutions
    Heartwood
    Hip Hop Caucus
    In the Public Interest
    Indigenous Environmental Network
    Inspiration of Sedona
    Institute for Policy Studies Climate Policy Program
    Interfaith Oceans
    LaPlaca and Associates LLC
    Long Beach 350
    Mothers Out Front
    National Children’s Campaign
    No Coal in Oakland
    No Sharon Gas Pipeline
    Northern Jaguar Project
    Nuclear Information and Resource Service
    NYC H2O
    Oil Change U.S.
    Pacific Environment
    Partnership for Southern Equity
    Pelican Media
    Progressive Democrats of AmericaPublic Citizen
    Public Lands Project
    Publish What You Pay-US
    Rachel’s Network
    Rainforest Action Network
    Riverdale Jewish Earth Alliance
    Rogue Climate    		 Safe Skies Maryland
    Samuel Lawrence Foundation
    SanDiego350
    SAVE THE FROGS!
    Sequoia ForestKeeper®
    Stand.earth
    Stone Quarry House
    Sunflower Alliance
    Sunrise Movement
    Sustainable Energy & Economy Network
    Sustainable Upton
    Syracuse Cultural Workers
    The Climate Center
    The Climate Mobilization
    The Enviro Show
    The Natural History Museum
    The River Project
    Topanga Peace Alliance
    Transition Sebastopol
    Tree San Diego
    Turtle Island Restoration Network
    Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth
    Uplift
    Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment
    Weather Medic Inc
    Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club
    WESPAC Foundation
    WildEarth Guardians
    WildWest Institute
    Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN)
    Zero Hour
    Publish What You Pay-US
    Rachel’s Network
    Rainforest Action Network
    Riverdale Jewish Earth Alliance
    Rogue Climate
    Safe Skies Maryland
    Samuel Lawrence Foundation
    SanDiego350
    SAVE THE FROGS!
    Sequoia ForestKeeper®
    Stand.earth
    Stone Quarry House
    Sunflower Alliance
    Sunrise Movement
    Sustainable Energy & Economy Network
    Sustainable Upton
    Syracuse Cultural Workers
    The Climate Center
    The Climate Mobilization
    The Enviro Show
    The Natural History Museum
    The River Project
    Topanga Peace Alliance
    Transition Sebastopol
    Tree San Diego
    Turtle Island Restoration Network
    Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth
    Uplift
    Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment
    Weather Medic Inc
    Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club
    WESPAC Foundation
    WildEarth Guardians
    WildWest Institute
    Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN)
    Zero Hour
    100Grannies.org for a Fossil Fuel Free Future
    198 methods
    350 Colorado
    350 Everett
    350 Triangle
    350.org
    350PDX

  • 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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