Tag: election

  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Elijah Manley for Congress in Florida’s 20th District

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Elijah Manley for Congress in Florida’s 20th District

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    July 28, 2026

    Contacts: 
    Collin Rees, collin@priceofoil.org
    Lindsay Tice, ltice@foe.org
    Mike Johnson, mike@thirdact.org

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Elijah Manley for Congress in Florida’s 20th District

    Today, Oil Change Action, Friends of the Earth Action, and GrayPAC are endorsing Elijah Manley to represent Florida’s 20th Congressional District.  

    Born and raised by a single mother in Fort Lauderdale, Manley knows firsthand the challenges faced by struggling families in South Florida. In Congress, he will fight for union jobs, a $20-per-hour minimum wage, and no taxes on families making less than $50,000 a year. 

    Manley will be a strong climate champion for South Florida, a region on the frontline of rising sea levels, extreme heat, and drought. He will work to ban fracking, build a carbon-free economy, and protect the Everglades — safeguarding the region for generations to come. 

    Collin Rees, Campaigns Manager at Oil Change Action, said:
    “We are proud to endorse Elijah Manley, a champion for working people and for Florida’s environment. Manley is a strong opponent of fracking and other fossil fuel extraction, he is committed to supporting the interests of Florida’s communities over those of Big Oil and Gas, and he is the new voice we need in Congress.”

    Ariel Moger, Director of Public Affairs at Friends of the Earth Action, said:
    “Elijah Manley is the leader South Florida needs — a champion not only for the environment, but also for families, retirees, and workers. His leadership will be vital to the 20th Congressional District. We are proud to endorse him and urge voters to support him.” 

    Mike Johnson, Democracy Campaigns Manager with GrayPAC, said:
    “Elijah Manley represents a new generation of leaders, rising to meet today’s challenges in Florida. From the cost of living to protecting Florida’s robust and beloved environment, Elijah will put Florida families, not powerful interests, first, now and always. GrayPAC is proud to support his campaign.”

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  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    July 28, 2026

    Contacts: 
    Collin Rees, collin@priceofoil.org
    Lindsay Tice, ltice@foe.org

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan

    Today, Oil Change Action and Friends of the Earth Action are endorsing Abdul El-Sayed to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate. 

    Born and raised in Michigan, El-Sayed has spent his career working to safeguard public health, including as head of the Detroit Health Department, as a member of the state’s Childhood Lead Elimination Board, and as part of Michigan’s Public Health Advisory Commission. He understands that public health is intricately linked to clean air, clean water, and access to safe foods. As a U.S. Senator, El-Sayed will bring that passion for public health to the federal level, working to guarantee health care for all Americans, reinvest in critical public health agencies, and protect the rights of all people to make personal health care decisions, including decisions involving reproductive and gender-affirming care. 

    As U.S. Senator, El-Sayed will also prioritize clean air, water, and land. He’ll fight to direct federal subsidies to family farmers rather than corporate factory farms and work for a future that is based on renewable energy. 

    Collin Rees, Campaigns Manager at Oil Change Action, said: 
    “We are proud to endorse Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign for the U.S. Senate. Abdul is a fighter who will stand up to Big Oil and Gas and champion the people of Michigan, not big polluters. He has consistently called out the role of private utilities in keeping us addicted to fossil fuels and making energy unaffordable for working people. When he is in the Senate, Abdul will fight for a just transition to end fossil fuels, protect Michigan’s water and natural environment, and build a renewable energy future where everyone can thrive.”

    Erich Pica, President of Friends of the Earth Action, said: 
    “As a proud Michigander myself, I know that our Great Lakes, our rural communities and environment define who we are. Abdul El-Sayed is exactly the kind of person Michigan needs in the U.S. Senate right now– someone who is passionate, progressive, and principled. We are thrilled to endorse El-Sayed for U.S. Senate, and we encourage Michigan Democratic voters to support him.”

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  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Cori Bush for Congress in Missouri’s 1st District

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Cori Bush for Congress in Missouri’s 1st District

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    July 23, 2026

    Contacts: 
    Rebecca Stoner, rebecca.stoner@oilchangeaction.org
    Brett Hartl, bretthartl@centeractionfund.org
    Lindsay Tice, ltice@foe.org

    Today, Oil Change Action, the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, and Friends of the Earth Action endorsed Cori Bush for Congress in Missouri’s First District. A pastor, former nurse, and community organizer, Bush represented the district between 2021 and 2025. 

    Cori Bush was among the first congressional candidates to sign the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, committing to reject campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry. While in Congress, Bush championed environmental and climate justice legislation. She was the author of the Green New Deal for Cities, a transformative legislative package to transition our nation’s cities away from fossil fuels, and a strong opponent of sending billions in public money through fossil fuel subsidies to boost oil, gas, and coal profits. 

    Collin Rees, Campaigns Manager at Oil Change Action, said: 

    “We are proud to support Cori Bush’s campaign for Congress. Cori has spent her life fighting to protect communities across St. Louis from police violence, climate disasters, and toxic pollution. She’s committed to making our democracy work for working people by protecting voting rights, getting Big Oil money out of politics, and putting people before corporate profits. She is the fighter for working families and climate justice we need in Congress.” 

    Brett Hartl, National Political Director at Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, said: 

    “At a time when corporate polluters have far too many allies in Washington, Cori Bush has never hesitated to stand up for clean energy, environmental justice, and the communities forced to bear the costs of pollution. We’ve seen firsthand her commitment to advancing bold climate solutions that protect people and hold polluters accountable. She’s going to bring that same fearless leadership back to Congress and we’re proud to endorse her.” 

    Erich Pica, President of Friends of the Earth Action, said: 

    “Cori Bush is a leader who has the courage to stand up for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District. She will fight for the rights of all people to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live in safe, healthy communities. We are proud to endorse Bush and urge voters to support her.” 

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    Oil Change Action, a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, is dedicated to supporting real climate leadership, exposing the true costs of fossil fuels, and building a just, equitable, and renewable energy future in the United States. Oil Change coordinates the national No Fossil Fuel Money and Green New Deal Champions coalitions and works to promote bold leaders who will advance the phaseout of fossil fuels and hold polluters accountable. 

  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Randy Villegas for Congress in California’s 22nd District

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Randy Villegas for Congress in California’s 22nd District

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Randy Villegas for Congress in California’s 22nd District

    Villegas is the climate champion in this race

    National environmental groups Oil Change Action, Food & Water Action, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, GrayPAC, and Climate Hawks Vote are endorsing Randy Villegas for California’s 22nd Congressional District ahead of the June 2nd primary election. 

    Villegas has made clear he is the best candidate to challenge Republican incumbent Rep. David Valadao in this newly drawn Central Valley district, which is on the frontlines of environmental justice. Villegas has taken unabashedly strong positions in support of working people. As a school board trustee, he has protected children in his community from toxic chemicals by banning the use of RoundUp on school property. Randy Villegas is also the strongest fundraiser in the Democratic field, having raised over $1 million while refusing contributions from corporate political action committees (PACs).

    Collin Rees, Campaigns Manager at Oil Change Action, said:
    “Randy Villegas will fight for California Central Valley working families in Congress. He’s running to protect farmworkers from extreme heat, hold corporate polluters accountable for the harm they inflict on families’ health, and stop Trump’s attacks on California’s public lands. The Central Valley deserves a representative who will put people over polluters – that’s Randy and we are proud to endorse him.”

    Sam Bernhardt, Political Director at Food & Water Action, said:
    “Randy Villegas is the best choice for California’s 22nd Congressional District. He is a strong progressive fighting for Central Valley families and has committed to fighting for a moratorium on the data centers that are driving up electricity costs for California families. We’re proud to endorse him.”

    Rachel Rillee, Deputy Political Director at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, said:
    “The Central Valley is the agricultural heart of the West Coast, but its communities have too often paid the price for pesticide exposure, pollution, and corporate neglect. The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund is proud to endorse Randy Villegas for California’s 22nd District. Villegas has fought to protect his community from harmful pesticides and pollution, and he is the only candidate in this race refusing money from Big Ag and the fossil fuel industry. California needs a bold champion for working families, clean air and water, and a healthier future for the Central Valley.”

    RL Miller, political director at Climate Hawks Vote, said:
    “The contrast between Randy Villegas and his oil-funded opponents couldn’t be clearer. Randy is best positioned to win his primary because of the huge swell of grassroots support he’s mustered. The Central Valley needs a fighter. We’re proud to stand with Randy.”

    Mike Johnson, Democracy Campaigns Manager at GrayPAC, said:
    “Randy Villegas understands that building robust, resilient communities in California’s Central Valley takes a leader who listens, then leads on the issues that matter to families, not corporate donors.”

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  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Chris Espinosa for Congress in California’s 26th District

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Chris Espinosa for Congress in California’s 26th District

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Chris Espinosa for Congress in California’s 26th District

    Espinosa brings deep experience fighting for environmental justice

    National environmental groups Oil Change Action, Friends of the Earth Action, Climate Hawks Vote, and Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund have endorsed Chris Espinosa for California’s 26th Congressional District ahead of the June 2 primary election.

    A fourth-generation Californian, Espinosa has dedicated his career to fighting for civil rights, workers’ rights, healthcare, and environmental justice. With Earthjustice’s Clean Water team, he saw firsthand how the Flint, Michigan, water crisis devastated marginalized communities. As a senior staff member in Congress, he helped advance some of the most comprehensive and inclusive environmental justice legislation ever proposed. As a co-founder of GreenLatinos, Espinosa co-created a space to bring together Latino leaders to secure “political, economic, cultural, and environmental liberation.” 

    Espinosa understands environmental challenges and the clear and present danger they present to our communities. California’s 26th Congressional District overlaps with Ventura County, the fastest-warming county in the continental United States. The area has been hit hard by devastating wildfires, including the Thomas and Woolsey Fires.

    As a member of Congress, Espinosa will support a moratorium on artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and hold polluters accountable through federal legislation. He will work to clean up local toxic sites like Santa Susana Field Lab and Halaco, and he plans to aggressively fight Trump’s efforts to drill for oil off the Ventura County shoreline.

    Collin Rees, Campaigns Manager at Oil Change Action, said: 

    “Chris Espinosa has dedicated his life to pursuing environmental justice. The communities of the 26th District deserve a proven fighter in Congress who will stand by their side as the district is ravaged by deadly climate impacts. Chris is that fighter. He will hold fossil fuel companies and their enablers accountable in California and beyond, and we are proud to endorse him.”

    RL Miller, political director at Climate Hawks Vote, said: 

    “As a Ventura County resident and Woolsey fire survivor, I’m thrilled to endorse Chris Espinosa and I’ll be honored to cast a vote for him. This county is the poster child for climate change, with sea level rise at one end and extreme heat at the other. We need a fighter who will hold accountable the polluters who are wreaking havoc on my home.”

    Ariel Moger, Director of Public Affairs at Friends of the Earth Action, said: 

    “Chris Espinosa is the real deal – a proven environmental justice champion and genuine advocate for his community. For years, Friends of the Earth Action has partnered with Espinosa to defend and strengthen our bedrock environmental laws that ensure everyone has access to clean air, clean water, and input into federal decision-making. That’s why we’re elated to endorse Chris Espinosa for Congress. We know Espinosa will continue to fight for people over corporate interests in Washington DC and we urge the voters of California’s 26th Congressional district to support him.”

    Rachel Rilee, Deputy Political Director at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, said: 

    “From the Santa Monica Mountains to the beaches of the Channel Islands, California’s 26th District deserves a leader strong enough to protect the coast, parks and public lands that define it. Chris Espinosa is a bold progressive and a proven environmental champion who’ll fight for the urgent action this moment demands. He understands that our public lands, waters, wildlife and communities are all connected, and he’ll push for progressive policies that protect our environment and our future.”

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  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Chris Rabb for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 3rd District

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Chris Rabb for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 3rd District

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Chris Rabb for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 3rd District

    Rep. Rabb is the climate champion in this race

    National environmental groups Oil Change Action, Food & Water Action, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Climate Hawks Vote, and Friends of the Earth Action are endorsing State Representative Chris Rabb for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District ahead of the May 19th primary election. 

    As a State Representative in Harrisburg, Rabb has been a climate leader, founding the Pennsylvania legislature’s Climate Caucus and recently advocating for a halt to data center expansion. As a member of Congress, Rabb would hold polluters accountable through federal legislation like the Make Polluters Pay Act that would force fossil fuel companies to pay for their climate-related damages. 

    Collin Rees, Campaigns Manager at Oil Change Action, said: 

    “Representative Chris Rabb has been a leader on climate and environmental justice for years, and he will be a strong champion on these issues in Congress. He understands what it means to fight alongside frontline communities bearing the brunt of the fossil fuel industry’s pollution in Pennsylvania and he’s willing to stand up to the corporations hurting people and the planet. We are proud to endorse Rabb for Congress.”

    Sam Bernhardt, Political Director at Food & Water Action, said: 

    “Representative Rabb is among our strongest allies in Harrisburg. His advocacy against fracking and for climate solutions has been sorely needed in the state legislature, but it is even more necessary in Congress. We’re excited to help him win this election.” 

    Stephanie Kurose, Northeast Political Director at the Center Action Fund, said: 

    “Pennsylvanians deserve a champion in Congress who will stand up to corporate polluters and fight for a livable future. Chris Raab has spent his career challenging entrenched power and fighting for communities that too often bear the brunt of toxic pollution. He’s exactly the kind of fearless advocate we need in Washington, and we’re proud to endorse him.”

    RL Miller, political director at Climate Hawks Vote, said: 

    “Chris Rabb has a strong track record of speaking out for his community as an environmental justice champion. Now more than ever, we need his leadership in the transition to a clean energy economy.” 

    Ariel Moger, Director of Public Affairs for Friends of the Earth Action, said: 

    “Friends of the Earth Action is proud to endorse Chris Raab. He is the kind of courageous champion Congress needs: a leader who fights for people and speaks truth to power. As a bold progressive, he has a track record rooted in environmental justice and a deep commitment to democracy. We strongly urge voters in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional district to support Raab and his community-centered campaign.” 

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  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Analilia Mejía for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Analilia Mejía for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Analilia Mejía for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District

    Move Signals Consolidation around Special Primary Winner

    National environmental groups Oil Change Action, Food & Water Action, Climate Hawks Vote, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, and GrayPAC are endorsing Analilia Mejía in all elections this year in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. 

    Mejía won the Democratic nomination by campaigning on a progressive environmental platform including stopping the costly data center buildout, improving New Jersey’s public transportation infrastructure, and holding polluters accountable with legislation like the Make Polluters Pay act. 

    Mejía won the February 4 special primary election to nab the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, advancing to the April 16 special election against Republican Joe Hathaway. Mejía is the prohibitive favorite to win and serve out the remainder now-Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s term. Mejía is also concurrently running for election in the 2026 midterm election. Former Rep. Tom Malinowski and Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, both of whom ran against Mejía in the February 4 primary, have endorsed her, as have Sen. Corey Booker, Sen. Andy Kim, Rep. Lamonica McIver, and other members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation.

    Collin Rees, Campaigns Manager at Oil Change Action, said: 

    “Analilia Mejía understands that fighting for a future where everyone can thrive means taking on Big Oil and Gas with bold plans to phase out fossil fuels and make polluters pay. We’re proud to endorse her for Congress as a fighter for the people of New Jersey and a better future.”

    Matt Smith, New Jersey Director at Food & Water Action, said: 

    “Analilia Mejía has been a longtime ally of ours since her time running the New Jersey Working Families Party. We’re thrilled to be helping to send one of New Jersey’s very best organizers to Congress to pass ambitious climate legislation and to hold Trump accountable.”

    RL Miller, Political Director at Climate Hawks Vote, said: 

    “Analilia Mejía has earned our respect with her thoughtful, people-centered approach to policy. We’re looking forward to working with her in Congress to stand up against Trump and then move forward with progressive policies.”

    Stephanie Kurose, Northeast Political Director at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, said:

    “Analilia Mejía has dedicated her entire career to fighting corporate greed and special interests to protect the people of New Jersey. Now more than ever, we need to elect leaders with unshakeable values who aren’t afraid to stand up to Trump and his Republican cronies in Congress. Mejía is the progressive champion we need and we’re excited to endorse her.”

    Mike Johnson, Democracy Campaigns Manager at Third Act, said: 

    “Our leaders in New Jersey are enthusiastic in their support for Analilia Mejía — they know that she has the values and vision to build a vibrant future and will be a champion for elders concerned about the state of our democracy and climate.”

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  • Oil Change U.S. responds to Vice Presidential debate

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 1, 2024

    Contact:
    Rebecca Stoner, rebecca.stoner@priceofoil.org
    Valentina Stackl, valentina@priceofoil.org

    Oil Change U.S. responds to Vice Presidential debate

    In response to tonight’s vice presidential debate, Collin Rees, Campaign Manager at Oil Change U.S., released the following statement: 

    “Tim Walz and JD Vance debated while communities across the South reel from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, one of the deadliest and costliest storms in U.S. history. Over 160 are dead, hundreds are missing, and millions remain in dire need of food, water, and power — yet Vance brazenly dismissed established climate science, while Walz touted a deadly ‘all-of-the-above’ energy policy incompatible with the urgent climate action we know is necessary. 

    “Disasters like Helene are driven and turbo-charged by fossil fuels. We can’t solar-panel our way out of this crisis while continuing to drill and frack. Today’s catastrophes demand bold, uncompromising leadership. Tim Walz and Kamala Harris must step up to halt fossil fuel expansion, champion clean energy, and advance a just phaseout of oil, gas, and coal to protect our communities from escalating climate impacts. 

    “Tonight’s debate took place in the context of escalating regional war in the Middle East. Both candidates bragged about their support of Israel and its brutal wars against the Palestinian and Lebanese people. This must end. The last thing the American people need is for billions in public money to be spent bombing residential neighborhoods, killing civilians, and displacing millions. Hurricane Helene shows us even more clearly that our leaders must invest instead in preventing climate disasters and rebuilding communities when they strike.”

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  • Oil Change U.S. Response to Presidential Debate

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    September 10, 2024

    Contact:
    Rebecca Stoner, rebecca.stoner@priceofoil.org
    Allie Rosenbluth, allie@priceofoil.org

    Oil Change U.S. Response to Presidential Debate

    In response to tonight’s presidential debate, Allie Rosenbluth, Campaign Manager at Oil Change U.S., released the following statement: 

    “Tonight, both candidates bragged about their support for fracking and record fossil fuel production — dangerous positions that will keep us on the path towards catastrophic climate impacts and continue exposing frontline communities to deadly levels of fossil fuel pollution. The science is clear that the only way to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is to phase out fossil fuels. 

    “We expect this from Donald Trump, a walking oil spill who openly promised fossil fuel CEOs he would shred all environmental protections in exchange for $1 billion in campaign donations. If elected, Trump would sell our future to fossil fuel barons, threaten our democracy, demonize immigrants and LGTBQ+ people, and further erode reproductive rights.

    “Kamala Harris promised to turn the page and chart a better future. That means taking decisive action to end fossil fuels and ensuring a just transition to renewable energy. We need a climate president — one who will invest in clean energy, end fossil fuel subsidies, and phase out fossil fuels to protect the communities most exposed to oil and gas pollution and the climate crisis. It’s time for Harris to show she can be that president.”

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  • Biden Steps Down – A Pivotal Moment for Climate Action, Says Oil Change U.S. Executive Director

    For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    July 21, 2024

    In response to President Biden stepping down, Elizabeth Bast, Oil Change U.S. Executive Director, said:

    “With extreme storms, crushing heat, and severe droughts, Joe Biden’s decision to step down as the presidential nominee is a pivotal moment for climate action. While Biden entered the White House vowing to stop drilling on public lands, oil production surged to unprecedented levels under his presidency. This catastrophic increase will have lasting dangerous effects on our health and safety for many years to come. 

    “The Democratic National Convention must seize this opportunity to select a candidate with a proven climate record who will prioritize transitioning away from fossil fuels and address the climate crisis head-on. Our future hinges on this decision. Whether it is Kamala Harris or another candidate, we will hold their feet to the fire to ensure they are the climate president we desperately need. This is a chance to leave a lasting climate legacy and truly lead on the global stage. 

    “It shows leadership and courage for Biden to step down to avoid a Trump presidency. Another Trump term would spell disaster, especially for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, and strike a blow against our climate ambitions. A candidate backed by people power is our path forward to a sustainable future. As the world watches, U.S. climate leadership must mean stopping oil and gas expansion, ending fossil fuel subsidies, and leading a just transition.”

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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.