Tag: no fossil fuel money pledge

  • A Big Week for Real Climate Leadership in the 2020 Primary

    It’s been a big week for advancing the climate discussion in the 2020 presidential primaries and our collective efforts to raise the bar for real climate leadership.

    On Monday, Senator Elizabeth Warren released her plan for the U.S.’s public lands, which includes an important commitment to sign a moratorium on new fossil fuel leases on public lands and public waters on Day One of her presidency. The plan also includes important elements such as heavy investments in green jobs and respect for Indigenous sovereignty, including exploring co-management and the return of resources to Indigenous protection wherever possible.

    Later on Monday, Senator Bernie Sanders joined in by releasing an updated climate platform from his campaign to “Combat Climate Change and Passing a Green New Deal.” The platform focuses on Sanders’ plans to create millions of high-quality jobs, transition to 100% sustainable energy, ban fracking and all new fossil fuel infrastructure, and ban fossil fuel leases on public lands, end exports of coal, natural gas, and crude oil, and more.

    And today, the New York Times released the results of a “climate policy survey” sent to all 18 major presidential campaigns, asking contenders a variety of questions regarding their plans to confront the climate crisis. It’s worth noting that not all candidates responded to all questions on the survey, and that Senator Sanders declined to go on the record with official statements in many cases. But, caveats aside, these new survey results provide an interesting window into how candidates are planning to confront the fossil fuel industry and the climate crisis, and specifically into how they’re willing to discuss these issues in a public forum.

    Expressing vague support for the Paris Agreement and renewable energy is good, but it’s far from sufficient in a time of rapidly mounting climate impacts and new reports on a weekly basis showing what a deep hole the world is in on climate. Even as candidates are talking more about climate change than the past elections, we’ve yet to see most of them lay out detailed plans to deal with it. That’s why we’ve joined the push for a Democratic primary debate focused solely on climate crisis and candidates’ specific plans to phase out fossil fuel extraction and accelerate the clean energy transition.

    Real climate leadership in 2019 means being willing to stand up and vocally oppose the fossil fuel industry, and to talk about how to stop the industry’s expansion and carefully phase-out fossil fuel production in a way that protects impacted communities and workers. As Republicans and their fossil fuel industry sponsors continue to obscure and deny the reality of the climate crisis, it’s more important than ever for Democrats to put forth and proudly tout bold visions for how to stop the buildout of deadly fossil fuel infrastructure and implement an aggressive transition to a new economy that protects the dignity of workers and communities.

    With that in mind, this week has seen some critically important public statements from candidates about their plans to constrain Big Oil, Gas, and Coal’s expansion and implemented a controlled wind-down of fossil fuel production that addresses environmental injustices and strengthens labor protections. Here’s a quick run-down of what candidates have been saying this week to advance real climate leadership via the NYT survey or other public statements:

    Implementing a “Climate Test” on Energy Projects

    Gov. Jay Inslee (from NYT survey): “One of the first important steps that must be taken […] is to reinstate crucial Obama-era federal climate policies, and strengthen them. This includes […] how federal agencies consider the climate impacts of major energy projects in their environmental review processes.”

    Andrew Yang (from NYT survey): “I will direct the EPA to include CO2 in its review of standards, and specifically with respect to oil refineries.”

    Ending Fossil Fuel Subsidies

    Sen. Elizabeth Warren (from NYT survey): “I oppose subsidies for fossil fuel companies and have spoken out repeatedly against the influence that Big Oil and carbon-based industries wield in Washington.”

    Gov. Jay Inslee (from NYT survey): “In our state efforts […] we have found the vast amount of carbon savings came from investments, and there are many ways to fund those, including rolling back the Trump tax cuts and ending subsidies for fossil-fuel companies.”

    Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (from NYT survey): “I would take on the fossil-fuel industry by ending the $26 billion per year the American people are currently paying in subsidies and invest that in our green [energy] economy.”

    Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (from NYT survey): “Details on how to achieve 100 percent renewable energy goals by 2035 include […] ending fossil-fuel subsidies.”

    Marianne Williamson (from NYT survey): “I would end all subsidies for dirty energy and transfer them to subsidies for clean energy.”

    Banning Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

    Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (from NYT survey): “Details on how to achieve 100 percent renewable energy goals by 2035 include […] a moratorium on new major fossil-fuel projects and banning fracking.”

    Sen. Elizabeth Warren (from public lands plan released Monday): “On my first day as president, I will sign an executive order that says no more drilling — a total moratorium on all new fossil fuel leases, including for drilling offshore and on public lands.”

    Sen. Bernie Sanders (from climate platform released Monday): “Ban fracking and new fossil fuel infrastructure and keep oil, gas, and coal in the ground by banning fossil fuel leases on public lands.”

    Banning Exports of Dirty Energy

    Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (from NYT survey): “Details on how to achieve 100 percent renewable energy goals by 2035 include […] a ban on crude oil and LNG exports.”

    Sen. Bernie Sanders (from climate platform released Monday): “End exports of coal, natural gas, and crude oil.”

    None of these positions alone will be sufficient, but they’re all important contributions to what a Green New Deal or any other comprehensive climate policy framework should look like. We’ll be on the lookout in the coming weeks and months for candidates to keep fleshing out their climate plans with specific policies and plans to meet the transformational scale of action needed to pass a Green New Deal that phases out the fossil fuel industry and phases in a new era of prosperity for all.

    It’s no mere coincidence that every single contender listed above has taken the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge to reject contributions from fossil fuel industry PACs, lobbyists, and executives – refusing the industry’s political influence is a key step toward being willing to take bold stances like the ones below to address the climate crisis. We look forward to seeing other candidates rise to meet the new bar for climate leadership and continue to raise it by signing the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge and outlining bold policy visions like these.

     

     

    PAID FOR BY OIL CHANGE U.S., WWW.OILCHANGEUS.ORG, NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE, CANDIDATE’S AUTHORIZED POLITICAL COMMITTEE, OR CANDIDATE’S AGENTS.

  • Response to Pete Buttigieg Signing the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 27, 2019

    Contact:
    David Turnbull, david [at] priceofoil [dot] org, 202-316-3499
    Collin Rees, collin [at] priceofoil [dot] org, 308-293-3159‬

    Mayor Pete Buttigieg signs No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge; Oil Change U.S. response
    Majority of Democratic Presidential candidates have now signed pledge rejecting fossil fuel cash

    Today, Mayor Pete Buttigieg signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge, announced via a video posted to his Twitter and Facebook accounts. In response, David Turnbull, Strategic Communications Director with Oil Change U.S., released the following statement:

    “We applaud Mayor Buttigieg for signing the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge. By making this important commitment, he’s shown the courage to stand up to the fossil fuel industry and say ‘no’ to their influence on our democracy.

    “With Mayor Pete signing the pledge today, a majority of substantial Democratic Presidential candidates have now pledged to reject money from fossil fuel industry interests. No longer do candidates feel the need to cater to an out-of-control fossil fuel industry wreaking havoc on our climate and communities. With a massive movement calling for bold action, candidates are finally starting to step up and fight for real solutions to our climate crisis.

    “The No Fossil Fuel Money pledge should be an ante to get into the game for candidates seeking to be labeled as climate champions – but it’s not the end of the story. We need our next President to not only reject fossil fuel money, but also to reject the industry’s plans to continue expanding the production of the fossil fuels that are destroying our climate. Now that many of them are free from the ties of industry cash, we look forward to seeing candidates lay out their plans for a managed decline of fossil fuel production in the United States in line with what the climate science demands and what a just transition for communities requires.”

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    Note for Editors:

    As of March 27th, 8 of the 15 candidates being tracked by the New York Times as substantial candidates for the Democratic Presidential nomination have signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge. A full listing of pledge signers in the Presidential race can be found here: http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/

  • Response to Sen. Gillibrand Signing the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 15, 2019

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

    Response to Sen. Gillibrand signing the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge

    Senator and Presidential Candidate Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) signed the No Fossil Money pledge today in New Hampshire. In response, David Turnbull, Strategic Communications Director of Oil Change United States, released the following statement:

    “By signing the pledge, Senator Gillibrand becomes the fifth major democratic Presidential candidate to reject fossil fuel money in their campaigns. More than one-third of declared candidates for the Democratic nomination have now stepped up to reject the influence of an out-of-control fossil fuel industry on our politics. Coming on a day when over a million students around the world walked out of their classes to demand greater action on climate change, it’s heartening to see Senator Gillibrand recognize that addressing our climate crisis means standing up to the industry at the heart of the problem. The bar for climate leadership is being set. We look forward to more candidates joining this trend as the Presidential primary continues to ramp up.”

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  • Response: Manchin as Democratic Ranking Member on Senate Energy Committee

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    December 11, 2018

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

    Oil Change USA Response to Manchin as Dem. Ranking Member on Senate Energy Committee

    In response to the appointment of Senator Joe Manchin as Ranking Member for the Democrats on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, David Turnbull, Strategic Communications Director with Oil Change USA, released the following statement:

    “This is the wrong choice at the wrong time for the Democrats. Senator Schumer has failed in finding a Ranking Member for this committee that truly understands that the climate crisis requires us to take on the fossil fuel industry, not cater to its demands. While climate impacts are getting ever more intense, and the science shows we must keep fossil fuels in the ground, Senator Manchin has enjoyed nearly $1 million in campaign contributions from oil, gas and coal interests in his career.

    “If Senator Manchin wants to be taken seriously as someone serious about taking the critical step to move our economy off of fossil fuels, and not someone beholden to the fossil fuel industry, he should take the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, today. It only makes sense that he promise to reject money from the industry being regulated by the committee he’ll lead for the Democrats. Until he does, we’ll know who he truly answers to.”

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  • Release: Coalition of progressive groups call on Democrats in new Congress to reject fossil fuel money, push bold and aggressive climate policies

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    November 27, 2018

    CONTACT:
    David Turnbull, Oil Change USA, david [at] priceofoil.org
    Erin Jensen, Friends of the Earth U.S., ejensen [at] foe.org
    Stephen O’Hanlon, Sunrise Movement, stephen [at] sunrisemovement.org
    Thanu Yakupitiyage, 350.org, thanu [at] 350.org

    Coalition of progressive groups call on Democrats in new Congress to reject fossil fuel money, push bold and aggressive climate policies

    WASHINGTON — As Democrats vie for leadership positions in the new Congress, 47 progressive groups released a letter today demanding that candidates for House leadership posts pledge to reject fossil fuel money. The letter calls for a Green New Deal that will move America to a 100 percent renewable energy society, center communities on the frontlines of climate impacts, and invest in renewable energy while embarking on a managed decline of fossil fuel production and ending subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. In order to effectively lead on a Green New Deal and make a just transition away from fossil fuels, the letter calls for prospective leaders of the new House to declare themselves fossil fuel money-free.

    “Climate change is the greatest threat we’re facing,” said Lukas Ross, Senior Policy Analyst with Friends of the Earth. “We cannot tackle this crisis if our politicians are still accepting money from the corporate polluters who are intent on destroying communities and our environment for a profit. It is time for all Democrats to sign the no fossil fuel money pledge, and fully commit themselves to a 100% renewable energy future that protects all people and the planet.”

    “With over 1000 politicians rejecting fossil fuel money, real climate leadership definitively means no fossil fuel ties,” said May Boeve, Executive Director of 350.org. “For any shot at averting further climate catastrophe, all elected officials must say no to fossil fuels and fight for a Green New Deal that puts people and planet first. It’s not enough to acknowledge the reality of climate change – we need  officials who walk the talk and support equitable solutions to this global crisis.”

    “To preserve human civilization as we know it, top UN scientists say we need to transform our economy and society in the next 12 years,” said Varshini Prakash, Sunrise Movement Co-Founder and Communications Director. “Yet, politicians of both parties are putting the bottom-lines of their campaign donors above my generation’s future. Young people need bold leaders who will reject fossil fuel money and back a Green New Deal – and we’re ready to challenge politicians of both parties who refuse to stand with us.”

    “Our climate crisis requires leaders who are willing to stand up to an industry that has spent decades and millions of dollars lying to the public, distorting our democracy, and delaying climate action,” said David Turnbull, Strategic Communications Director at Oil Change USA. “We have no more time for delay or half-measures, or for politicians who are in the pocket of an out-of-control industry. We need true leaders who will stand up for our communities, ramp down our fossil fuel production, and fight for real climate solutions.”

    Read the full letter here.

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    Friends of the Earth fights to create a more healthy and just world. Our current campaigns focus on promoting clean energy and solutions to climate change, ensuring the food we eat and products we use are safe and sustainable, and protecting marine ecosystems and the people who live and work near them.

    Oil Change USA 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. More at oilchangeusa.org.

    Sunrise is a movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process. We are building an army of young people to make climate change an urgent political priority, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on our politics, and elect leaders who will stand up for the health and well-being of all people. Learn more at: sunrisemovement.org

    350.org uses online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions to oppose new coal, oil and gas projects, take money out of the companies that are heating up the planet, and build 100% clean energy solutions that work for all. 350’s network extends to 188 countries.

  • Release: Nearly a third of Democrats who flipped U.S. House seats refuse fossil fuel industry money

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    November 7, 2018

    CONTACT:
    Stephen Kretzmann, steve [at] priceofoil.org
    Collin Rees, collin [at] priceofoil.org

    Nearly a third of Democrats who flipped U.S. House seats refuse Fossil Fuel industry money

    New brand of climate leadership emerges

    WASHINGTON, DC — Following yesterday’s U.S. midterm elections, which saw a historic surge of Democratic women lead the Democratic Party to take back the U.S. House of Representatives and win races at all levels, Stephen Kretzmann, Executive Director of Oil Change United States, had the following statement:

    “Despite the fossil fuel industry-sponsored carpet-bombing of advertising against clean energy and climate around the country, several bright spots survived. A new kind of climate leadership is emerging around the country – one that understands the need to stand up to the oil and gas industry.

    “This blue wave had a deep green tint. In a sign of things to come, nearly a third of the Democrats who flipped U.S. House seats have signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. Of the anticipated 33 new Democratic seats taken over from the Republicans, 11 have signed the Pledge, which commits them to not take contributions from the oil, gas, and coal industry and instead prioritize the health of our families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits.

    “In New Mexico, voters elected Stephanie Garcia Richard to Public Lands Commissioner, to oversee methane regulations and administer public lands. She is committed to stopping the expansion of fracking and drilling for oil and gas in the Permian Basin, which is the largest new potential carbon bomb in the world today. Chevron, the top leaseholder in the Permian, spent millions to defeat her, but lost.

    “New Mexican voters also elected Deb Haaland to Congress. Haaland has pledged to vote against all new fossil fuel infrastructure, in line with climate science and the Paris climate goals. She is a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and climate justice.

    “In Minnesota, Ilhan Omar ran a proudly fossil-free campaign for Congress and won, speaking frequently about a just transition to build a clean energy economy with good-paying, union jobs, and vocally opposing the Line 3 tar sands pipeline.

    “Preliminary analysis of campaign finance data from the Center for Responsive Politics indicates that fossil fuel industry money was less than ¼ of one percent of all money raised by Democrats running for the House in 2018. Democratic leadership would do well to recall that when the issue of party acceptance of fossil fuel industry donations next surfaces at the DNC.”

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    Notes to Editors:

    Full list of Oil Change United States endorsements: https://oilchangeus.org/endorsements/

    Oil Change United States-endorsed climate leaders who won their elections include:

    Ilhan Omar, U.S. House, MN-05

    Deb Haaland, U.S. House, NM-01

    Nika Elugardo, Massachusetts State House, 15th Suffolk District

    Danielle Friel Otten, Pennsylvania State House, 155th District

    Stephanie Garcia Richard, Public Lands Commissioner of New Mexico

    Full list of No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge signers: http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/pledge-signers/

    No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge signers who won their elections include:

    Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Senate, CA

    Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senate, VT

    Ruben Gallego, U.S. House, AZ-07

    Barbara Lee, U.S. House, CA-13

    Ro Khanna, U.S. House, CA-17

    Zoe Lofgren, U.S. House, CA-19

    Katie Hill, U.S. House, CA-25 (likely winner)

    Nanette Barragán, U.S. House, CA-44

    Harley Rouda, U.S. House, CA-48 (likely winner)

    Mike Levin, U.S. House, CA-49 (likely winner)

    Darren Soto, U.S. House, FL-09

    Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, U.S. House, FL-26

    Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. House, HI-02

    Jesús “Chuy” García, U.S. House, IL-04

    Jan Schakowsky, U.S. House, IL-09

    Ayanna Pressley, U.S. House, MA-07

    Jamie Raskin, U.S. House, MD-08

    Chellie Pingree, U.S. House, ME-01

    Andy Levin, U.S. House, MI-08

    Rashida Tlaib, U.S. House, MI-13

    Dean Phillips, U.S. House, MN-03

    Ilhan Omar, U.S. House, MN-05

    Chris Pappas, U.S. House, NH-01

    Deb Haaland, U.S. House, NM-01

    Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. House, NY-14

    Madeleine Dean, U.S. House, PA-04

    Mary Gay Scanlon, U.S. House, PA-05

    Mary Gay Scanlon, U.S. House, PA-07 (special election)

    Susan Ellis Wild, U.S. House, PA-07

    Susan Ellis Wild, U.S. House, PA-15 (special election; likely winner)

    Elaine Luria U.S. House, VA-02

    Jennifer Wexton, U.S. House, VA-10

    Pramila Jayapal, U.S. House, WA-07

    Kim Schrier, U.S. House, WA-08 (likely winner)

    Adam Smith, U.S. House, WA-09

    Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

    Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California

    John Fetterman, Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania

    David Zuckerman, Lieutenant Governor of Vermont

    Mandela Barnes, Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin

    Dana Nessel, Attorney General of Michigan

    Keith Ellison, Attorney General of Minnesota

    Jim Condos, Secretary of State of Vermont

    Fiona Ma, State Treasurer of California

    Beth Pearce, State Treasurer of Vermont

    Doug Hoffer, State Auditor of Vermont

  • Endorsements, Part 1: Show your support for these 4 climate leaders

    November 6th is just around the corner! This election, we have the opportunity to set the record straight on what “climate leadership” means by electing outspoken leaders who are unafraid to take on Big Oil and Gas.

    For too long, politicians have been given a pat on the back for simply saying that they believe in climate change or support clean energy. Especially with the latest report from the IPCC, it’s clear that approach is fully insufficient to tackle the crisis we’re facing.

    We know that real climate leadership means:

    ✔ Supporting an end to fossil fuel subsidies
    ✔ Opposing all new fossil fuel infrastructure
    ✔ Rejecting all financial contributions from the fossil fuel industry
    ✔ Supporting a just transition to a clean energy economy

    This year, there are real climate leaders on the ballot across the country who will stand up for people, not the fossil fuel industry. They’re stepping out bravely with bold positions in critical states, and need our support. Can you show your support for these 4 climate leaders by sharing their stories?

    Randy Bryce for U.S. House, WI-01: Randy, a union ironworker, is one of the strongest political voices calling for a swift end to all fossil fuel subsidies, and he’s a fierce advocate both for taking on the fossil fuel industry and for building out the clean energy economy. Randy has extensively discussed his vision of passing a Green New Deal to build a new clean energy economy.

    Click here to Tweet about Randy. Then, share on Facebook!

    Ilhan Omar for U.S. House, MN-05: Ilhan is an outspoken opponent of the Line 3 tar sands pipeline that Enbridge is currently trying to push through Minnesota. She supports a moratorium on new oil and gas infrastructure, and has pledged to oppose all giveaways to fossil fuel companies if elected.

    Click here to Tweet about Ilhan. Then, share on Facebook!

    Andrew Gillum for Governor of Florida: Andrew is the current Mayor of Tallahassee, where he has been outspoken in his opposition to the Sabal Trail fracked gas pipeline and helped pass an ordinance to ban fracking. He’s been steadfast in his vision of expanding this fracking ban to the entire state of Florida if elected Governor.

    Click here to Tweet about Andrew. Then, share on Facebook!

    Danielle Friel Otten for PA State House, 155th District: Danielle got involved in politics through her fight against the Mariner East 2 pipeline, which was being forced through her backyard by the same company that built the Dakota Access Pipeline. She opposes new fossil fuel infrastructure in Pennsylvania, and will work to scale up funding for a just transition to a green economy that works for all.

    Click here to Tweet about Danielle. Then, share on Facebook!

    We need a new vision for the type of politician we’re willing to award the label “climate leader” to. The candidates above match that vision and – if elected – can transform the future of our country and our planet (and that’s no exaggeration).

    You can learn more about all of our endorsements this cycle on our Endorsements page.

    PAID FOR BY OIL CHANGE USA, WWW.OILCHANGEUSA.ORG, 714 G STREET SE, WASHINGTON, DC 20003. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE, CANDIDATE’S AUTHORIZED POLITICAL COMMITTEE, OR CANDIDATE’S AGENTS.

  • Endorsements, Part 2: 4 more real climate leaders to support

    Earlier, we posted the details on four climate leaders we’ve endorsed, and now we have four more to spotlight.

    The stakes of this election are enormous. For too long, politicians have been given a pat on the back for simply saying that they believe in climate change or support clean energy. With the latest report from the IPCC, it’s clear that approach is fully insufficient to tackle the crisis we’re facing.

    We know that real climate leadership means:

    ✔ Supporting an end to fossil fuel subsidies
    ✔ Opposing all new fossil fuel infrastructure
    ✔ Rejecting all financial contributions from the fossil fuel industry
    ✔ Supporting a just transition to a clean energy economy

    This year, there are true climate leaders on the ballot who will stand with people – not the fossil fuel industry. These candidates are stepping out bravely with bold positions in critical states, and need our support in the last week before the election.

    Can you show your support for these four climate leaders by sharing their stories on social media?

    Jess King, U.S. House, PA-11: Jess is a pipeline fighter and lifelong Pennsylvanian who isn’t afraid to challenge the fossil fuel industry. She’s led the fight against the Atlantic Sunrise fracked gas pipeline, and believes every American deserves access to clean water, clean air, and good-paying jobs that can sustain families. Jess is facing off against GOP incumbent Lloyd Smucker, who’s pocketed thousands from the Koch Brothers and other fossil fuel interests.

    Click here to Tweet about Jess. Then, share on Facebook!

    Deb Haaland, U.S. House, NM-01: Deb was an early signer of the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, and supports a ban on fracking. She unapologetically calls out the fossil fuel industry, and has pledged to vote against all new fossil fuel infrastructure if elected to Congress. Deb’s work is grounded in her belief that Indigenous rights and climate justice cannot be separated, and she is committed to helping tribes battle the fossil fuel industry in their backyards.

    Click here to Tweet about Deb. Then, share on Facebook!

    Kevin de León, U.S. Senate, CA: Kevin is challenging incumbent Senator Dianne Feinstein as a progressive voice for Californians who want a Senator who will stand up to corporate power like Big Oil. He’s a past President of the CA State Senate, where he signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge and pushed for a moratorium on fracking in California.

    Click here to Tweet about Kevin. Then, share on Facebook!

    Nika Elugardo, MA State House, 15th Suffolk: Nika has pledged to reject all new fossil fuel infrastructure in Massachusetts when elected, and is committed to transitioning the state to 100% renewable energy. She took the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge months ago, then won a resounding victory in her primary election over an incumbent who proudly touted his acceptance of money from the fossil fuel industry.

    Click here to Tweet about Nika. Then, share on Facebook!

    We need a new definition of what it means to be a “climate leader” – and we need the leaders who are ready to enact bold climate action. If elected, these four candidates will transform the future of our country and our planet.

    You can learn more about all of our endorsements this cycle on our Endorsements page.

    PAID FOR BY OIL CHANGE USA, WWW.OILCHANGEUSA.ORG, 714 G STREET SE, WASHINGTON, DC 20003. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE, CANDIDATE’S AUTHORIZED POLITICAL COMMITTEE, OR CANDIDATE’S AGENTS.

  • We need a new bar for climate leadership from our elected officials

    You’ve heard the line before: “I believe climate change is real, humans are causing it, and we need to do something about it.”

    For too long, this line has been enough for politicians to earn the label of “Climate Leader.”

    It’s time for that to change.

    Just this past week, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) — the biggest, broadest, most-respected group of climate scientists on the planet — issued its most dire report yet, outlining the costs of our climate inaction and setting a clear bar for what true climate action needs to look like.

    What the IPCC laid out was, despite the scientific complexities, quite simple: We need to do more than we’ve ever done, faster than we’ve ever done it. That report also reminded us of what we already know: Every single piece of new fossil fuel infrastructure or fossil fuel development is pointing us precisely in the wrong direction.

    As supercharged hurricanes bear down on our coasts, wildfires ravage our communities, and the fossil fuel industry continues taking their profits to the bank, it’s up to our elected officials to raise their game, and it’s up to us to make them to do so.

    We need a new bar for climate leadership from our elected officials. We need them to stand up to the fossil fuel industry like never before. We need to elect leaders who are willing to:

    • Refuse oil, gas and coal money (by taking the #NoFossilFuelMoney pledge);
    • End fossil fuel subsidies;
    • Stop new fossil fuel projects; and
    • Invest in a just transition.

    No longer is a general concern about a far-off problem going to cut it. No longer will we say thanks for mentioning the words “climate change” in your stump speech, or cheer when you support necessary but insufficient measures while shying away from actually taking on the industry causing this crisis. There’s simply no time for more meaningless platitudes. There’s no time to play nice with the fossil fuel industry, to give lip service to renewable energy without doing more.

    We need bold, visionary, brave climate leadership, and we need it now.

    Thankfully, there are a rapidly growing number of candidates who exemplify the kind of leadership our climate crisis demands, and we’ve just endorsed a group of them. We’ll be talking to voters about why these leaders need to be supported, in order to show candidates that if they promise to stand up to the industry and for our communities, we’ll have their backs. And if they don’t do what’s needed, we’ll find someone who will.

    Learn more about the candidates we’re supporting on our Endorsements page. Share the graphic below…And better yet, get out there and help them get elected.