Tag: no fossil fuel money

  • Kamala Harris Announces Governor Tim Walz as 2024 Running Mate

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    August 6, 2024

    Contact:
    Valentina Stackl, valentina@priceofoil.org

    In response to reports of Kamala Harris’s selecting Tim Walz as her vice presidential candidate, Collin Rees, Political Director of Oil Change U.S., said:

    “Kamala Harris picking Tim Walz as her running mate is an encouraging sign that she’s willing to listen to the Democratic base. Walz’s collaboration with a progressive legislature in Minnesota has led to significant wins for working people, including important climate victories with a 100% carbon-free by 2040 law and a $2 billion climate spending program. At the same time, his lack of action to stop the Line 3 pipeline shows a troubling deference to fossil fuel interests. This campaign is an opportunity for Walz to put people before fossil fuel profits. 

    “The Harris-Walz campaign must continue to be bold and put forward a visionary agenda to address the climate crisis and end fossil fuels with a just transition. Our future hinges on leaders who will prioritize transitioning away from fossil fuels and tackling the climate crisis with urgency.” 

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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.

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    June 28, 2022

    Contact: 
    Collin Rees, collin@priceofoil.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Notes to Editors

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

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

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

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 28, 2022

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

    Progressive Groups Announce ‘Green New Deal Champions’ Pledge

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

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

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

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

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

    Quote Sheet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Members of Congress Who Are Current Green New Deal Champions: 

    – Sen. Ed Markey (MA)

    – Sen. Elizabeth Warren (MA)

    – Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT)

    – Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17)

    – Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    – Rep. Marie Newman (IL-03)

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

    – Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) 

    – Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02)

    – Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    – Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08)

    – Rep. Andy Levin (MI-09)

    – Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-13)

    – Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05)

    – Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01)

    – Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-10)

    – Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-12)

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

    – Rep. Jamaal Bowman (NY-16)

    – Rep. Mondaire Jones (NY-17)

    – Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)

    – Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)

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

    – David Peterson (CA-03)

    – Bianca Von Krieg (CA-11)

    – Derek Marshall (CA-23)

    – Angelica Dueñas (CA-29)

    – Shervin Aazami (CA-32)

    – David Kim (CA-34)

    – Daniel Lee (CA-37)

    – Peter Mathews (CA-42)

    – Michael Ortega (CA-46)

    – Adam Schindler (CA-50)

    – Kylie Taitano (CA-50)

    – Neal Walia (CO-01)

    – Rebekah Jones (FL-01)

    – Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10)

    – Cindy Banyai (FL-19)

    – Vincent Fort (GA-13)

    – Kirby Birgans (IL-01)

    – Jahmal Cole (IL-01)

    – Iymen Chehade (IL-03)

    – Delia Ramirez (IL-03)

    – Kina Collins (IL-07)

    – Junaid Ahmed (IL-08)

    – Attica Scott (KY-03)

    – Mckayla Wilkes (MD-05)

    – Shri Thanedar (MI-13)

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

    – Erica Smith (NC-01)

    – Nida Allam (NC-04)

    – Ashley Ward (NC-04)

    – David Ocampo Grajales (NJ-08)

    – Imani Oakley (NJ-10)

    – Melanie D’Arrigo (NY-03)

    – Rana Abdelhamid (NY-12)

    – Vanessa Fajans-Turner (NY-22)

    – Nina Turner (OH-11)

    – Sami Al-Abdrabbuh (OR-04)

    – Doyle Canning (OR-04)

    – Alexandra Hunt (PA-03)

    – Summer Lee (PA-12)

    – David Segal (RI-02)

    – Jessica Cisneros (TX-28)

    – Greg Casar (TX-35)

    – Ally Dalsimer (VA-11)

    – Kesha Ram Hinsdale (VT-AL)

    – Jason Call (WA-02)

    – Stephanie Gallardo (WA-09)

    Green New Deal Champions Partner Organizations: 

    – 350 Action

    – Alliance for Youth Action

    – American Federation of Teachers 

    – Association of Flight Attendants – Communications Workers of America

    – Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation

    – Caring Across Generations

    – Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund

    – Center for Popular Democracy

    – Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund

    – Climate Hawks Vote

    – Climate Justice Alliance

    – Common Defense

    – Dogwood Alliance

    – Food & Water Action

    – Friends of the Earth Action

    – Future Coalition

    – Gen-Z for Change

    – Grassroots Global Justice Alliance

    – Green New Deal Network

    – GreenFaith

    – GreenLatinos

    – Greenpeace USA

    – Indigenous Environmental Network

    – Indivisible

    – Kentuckians For The Commonwealth

    – Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition

    – Labor Network for Sustainability

    – March For Our Lives

    – Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition Action!

    – Mothers Out Front 

    – National Domestic Workers Alliance

    – Native Organizers Alliance

    – NDN Collective

    – New York Renews

    – Oil Change U.S.

    – Our Climate

    – Our Revolution

    – People’s Action

    – Progressive Democrats of America

    – Public Citizen

    – RuralOrganizing.org 

    – Social Security Works

    – Sunrise Movement

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

    – United We Dream Action

    – WE ACT for Environmental Justice

    – Working Families Party

    – Zero Hour

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  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Doyle Canning in Oregon Congressional Race

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 17, 2022

    Contact:
    Collin Rees, collin@priceofoil.org

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Doyle Canning in Oregon Congressional Race

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • #ExxonDems Blocking Climate Action Took Hundreds of Thousands from Exxon Lobbyists

    Following recent shocking revelations by Greenpeace UK’s Unearthed and Channel 4 News which captured current and former ExxonMobil lobbyists on video discussing the company’s role in blocking, delaying, and minimizing climate action in the United States, Oil Change U.S. has performed an in-depth analysis of ExxonMobil lobbyist campaign contributions to several Senate Democrats named in the video as top Exxon targets.

    In short, ExxonMobil has hired lobbyists who have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to key Senate Democrats, and those lobbyists are now working to weaken President Biden’s infrastructure bill and maintain ExxonMobil’s billions in fossil fuel subsidies. 

    Collectively, the six Democratic senators named in the video have received more than $330,000 in campaign contributions from currently registered ExxonMobil lobbyists and their political action committees. Each of the senators has received an average of more than $55,000 in campaign contributions from current ExxonMobil lobbyists; Sen. Jon Tester of Montana has received nearly $100,000 over his campaigns for office. ExxonMobil’s own political action committee (PAC) has contributed $29,000 to the six Democratic Senators.

    The specific Senate Democrats named by current ExxonMobile lobbyist Keith McCoy are Senators Chris Coons of Delaware, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Mark Kelly of Arizona, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, and Jon Tester of Montana. Direct quotations from McCoy in the Greenpeace UK videos include: 

    – “Joe Manchin, I talk to his office every week.” 

    – “We look for the moderates on [energy] issues. [Senator] Manchin. [Senator] Sinema. [Senator] Tester.”

    – “One of the others who isn’t talked about is Senator Coons from Delaware, who has a very close relationship with President Biden […] our CEO is talking to him next Tuesday.”

    – “[Senator] Hassan, [Senator] Kelly […] I know I have them […] they’re a captive audience.”

    This list shows the campaign contributions and sources through which the six Democratic Senators named in the Greenpeace UK videos have taken hundreds of thousands of dollars: 

    Chris Coons (D-DE) = $68,650 from 7 registered Exxon lobbyists, ExxonMobil PAC, and 4 Exxon lobbying firm PACs

    Maggie Hassan (D-NH) = $26,699 from 5 registered Exxon lobbyists and 3 Exxon lobbying firm PACs

    Mark Kelly (D-AZ) = $2,000 from 2 registered Exxon lobbyists

    Joe Manchin (D-WV) = $64,864 from 7 registered Exxon lobbyists, ExxonMobil PAC, and 3 Exxon lobbying firm PACs

    Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) = $70,800 from 8 registered Exxon lobbyists, ExxonMobil PAC, and 3 Exxon lobbying firm PACs

    Jon Tester (D-MT) = $99,783 from 7 registered Exxon lobbyists, ExxonMobil PAC, and 4 Exxon lobbying firm PACs

    TOTAL = $332,797 from 11 registered Exxon lobbyists, ExxonMobil PAC, and 4 Exxon lobbying firm PACs

    In the videos, current ExxonMobil lobbyist McCoy and former ExxonMobil lobbyist Dan Easley discussed their long history of aiding ExxonMobil’s goals to boost the firm’s profits, escape meaningful regulation, maintain the massive existing U.S. subsidies to fossil fuel production in the upcoming budget reconciliation process, position gas as a “clean energy” and a part of the future energy mix in the United States, and avoid meaningful climate action of any sort, including by expressing support for a carbon tax they knew would never be enacted into law. 

    Easley and McCoy go into significant detail boasting of the ease of their work during the Trump administration, and the huge benefit to Exxon of the massive corporate tax cuts in the Trump and GOP Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Easley openly pondered the damage that could be done to Exxon “in four years” by meaningful climate provisions, implying a strong desire to return to a Trump or GOP presidency in 2024. McCoy also bragged about his work to reduce the size and scope of the current infrastructure framework working its way through Capitol Hill, and Exxon’s goal to strip climate-related provisions from the bill and minimize its impacts. 

    Some current ExxonMobil lobbyists have been especially generous to the Democratic senators they aim to influence — Russ Sullivan has given over $10,000 to these six Senators alone, Amy Tejral has given over $36,000 to this set, and Shannon Finley has given an astonishing total of more than $48,000 to the ‘#ExxonDems’ named in the video. 

    This analysis of publicly available data only examines lobbyists who are currently registered to lobby for ExxonMobil as of 2021; it does not include contributions from the dozens of former ExxonMobil lobbyists who have lobbied these Senators earlier in their careers. Many current ExxonMobil lobbyists confine their political giving to the PAC realm, giving to either ExxonMobil’s PAC or their own lobbying firm’s PAC, which then makes contributions to candidates favored by the firm and its business interests. 

    The primary take-away from this analysis: ExxonMobil has hired lobbyists and lobbying firms who have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to key Senate Democrats, and these same lobbyists are now working to preserve fossil fuel subsidies, weaken Joe Biden’s infrastructure package, and block climate action. Democrats must reject fossil fuel money, end fossil fuel subsidies, and fight hard for people, not for polluters wrecking the planet. 

    Note: Lobbying data was obtained from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House lobbying disclosure databases. Campaign finance data was obtained from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) database. Data was accessed July 7-12, 2021.

  • 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.”

    ###

    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.

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    December 15, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ###

    Notes to Editors

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

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

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

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

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

  • Opposition to Ernie Moniz and Fossil Fuel Appointments Intensifies

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    November 25, 2020

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

    Website: NoMoniz.org
    Photos + Video: https://media.greenpeace.org/shoot/27MDHUSNP1M

    Opposition to Ernie Moniz and Fossil Fuel Appointments Intensifies

    Moniz’s extensive fossil fuel ties have made him a top target for climate activists

    Washington, D.C. — A broad coalition of climate, progressive, and environmental justice groups are engaged in an all-out push to keep former Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz out of the Biden Administration, because of Moniz’s extensive ties to the fossil fuel and nuclear industries, retrograde views on climate policy, and outright hostility towards climate advocates. 

    On Wednesday, groups including the Climate Justice Alliance, Oil Change U.S., Greenpeace USA, Sunrise Movement, Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Earth U.S., and more launched a new website, NoMoniz.org, to rally opposition against Moniz. This followed an action on Tuesday evening in Washington, DC, in which messages urging Biden to reject Moniz and choose a fossil-free cabinet were projected onto the main Department of Energy building. Photos and videos are available here.

    “With his deep ties to the fossil fuel industry and promotion of false solutions like carbon capture and sequestration, Ernest Moniz is not a forward-thinking choice for the Cabinet. As we face interlinked challenges like never before, we need people in the President-elect’s Cabinet willing to listen to and collaborate with the most innovative sectors while centering the frontline, environmental justice communities most harmed by extractive energy practices,” said Angela Adrar, Executive Director of the Climate Justice Alliance. “The Department of Energy must be led by someone open to concrete ideas for a fossil-free future, not continued dominance by a corrupt, heavily-subsidized industry whose existence hinges on maintaining an antiquated all-of-the-above strategy. Moniz’s track record and standing associations are proof he is not that person. If President-elect Biden’s proclamation to ‘build back better’ is genuine, he must look forward, not backward.”

    “Ernest Moniz’s ‘all of the above’ energy policies might be good for his friends in the coal, oil, and gas industries, but they’re a death sentence for us and our planet,” the website reads. “It’s unacceptable that Moniz is being considered for a role in the Biden administration — his policies, financial ties to fossil fuel companies, contempt for youth climate activists, and overall unwillingness to do what it takes to protect our future should disqualify him immediately.” 

    The site features a letter from over 75 organizations to President-elect Joe Biden urging him not to appoint Moniz to any position within his administration. It also references a letter signed by over 150 organizations urging Biden not to appoint people with ties to the fossil fuel industry. Moniz — who served on the board of a major fossil fuel utility and regularly collaborates with industry front groups — clearly fails that test. 

    “Ernest Moniz’s ties to the fossil fuel industry spell danger for the nation’s efforts to mitigate the climate crisis,” said Greenpeace USA Climate Campaign Director Janet Redman. “Moniz’s ability to represent our communities’ best interests is compromised by his deep ties to the fossil fuel industry — including his current board position at Southern Company, one of the most polluting oil and gas utilities in the U.S. We need a true climate leader who understands that we must phase out fossil fuels, not a corporate shill with ‘all of the above energy’ policies who wants to prop up fracked gas and pipelines. The American people have given Joe Biden a mandate to take bold action in service of climate justice, public health, economic prosperity, and racial equity. Moniz would only be holding him back.”

    Moniz’s ties to the fossil fuel industry and his continued support for oil and gas are well documented. Moniz serves on the board of Southern Company, one of the U.S.’s most fossil fuel-heavy power companies, and his consultancy is a partner in an LNG export facility in Louisiana. He’s worked closely with fossil fuel industry front groups like SoCalGas to advocate for an ongoing role for climate-polluting methane gas. He’s touted boondoggles like ‘clean coal.’ 

    The Energy Initiative Moniz founded at MIT took millions of dollars from oil companies to “support sponsored research projects aligned with their strategic interests.” He’s also been a leading critic of the Green New Deal, going so far as to introduce his own so-called “Green Real Deal,” and has disparaged youth climate activists around the world as the “climate elite.” 

    “President-elect Joe Biden has a mandate to govern as a climate president, and that means keeping fossil fuel representatives like Ernest Moniz far from the White House,” said Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “To protect people and wildlife from irreversible climate chaos, Biden must use every tool at his disposal to phase out fossil fuel production and advance environmental justice. That means saying no to advice from Moniz and his friends in the oil and gas industry.”

    Groups are also concerned about Moniz’s extensive ties to the nuclear industry. As energy secretary, Moniz ensured $8 billion in U.S. taxpayer-backed loans went to two new nuclear reactors at Southern Company’s Plant Vogtle in Georgia.

    “Moniz has undermined climate progress to curry favor with the nuclear industry. He even authorized a process that shifted the financial risk for these dangerous, money-sucking projects onto the public. Taxpayers could very well be saddled with a massive bill for this nuclear debacle,” said Karen Orenstein, Climate and Energy Director at Friends of the Earth U.S. “As Moniz collects donations to his own organizations from Southern Company’s foundation, the Vogtle project drags on, ensuring continued greenhouse emissions and diverting billions of dollars from real climate solutions. If President-elect Biden is to truly prioritize the public interest over polluters and profiteers, he must not give Moniz any role whatsoever in his Administration.”

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  • Response to Biden Presidential Election Victory

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    November 7, 2020

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

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

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

    Elizabeth Bast, Executive Director:

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

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

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

     

    Rebecca Concepcion Apostol, National Program Director:

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

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

     

    Alex Doukas, Stop Funding Fossils Program Director:

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

     

    Collin Rees, Senior Campaigner:

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

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

    ###

  • 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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