Tag: Primary

  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Aaron Regunberg for U.S. House, RI-01

    For Immediate Release

    Contact: 
    Allie Rosenbluth, allie@priceofoil.org

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Aaron Regunberg for U.S. House, RI-01

    WASHINGTON — Today, Oil Change U.S., Center for Biological Diversity Action, Food & Water Action, and Friends of the Earth Action announced their endorsement of Aaron Regunberg for Rhode Island’s First Congressional district.

    As State Representative, Regunberg was among the first state elected officials to speak out against a fracked gas power plant in Burrillville, which was eventually defeated. He also helped fight a proposed LNG export terminal in Providence.

    The groups join other climate and progressive groups including Progressive Democrats of America, Climate Hawks Vote, Jane Fonda Climate PAC and Climate Action Rhode Island. Together, these national progressive environmental groups represent tens of thousands of Rhode Island voters. 

    Allie Rosenbluth, Oil Change U.S. Campaigns Director, offered the following statement:

    “As communities across the country experience devastating impacts of climate change and the United States remains world’s the largest expander of oil and gas, it’s clear we need more leaders in congress ready to take on the fossil fuel industry. Oil Change U.S. is excited to endorse Aaron Regunberg, who has the experience and commitment to bold climate action Rhode Island and the country needs.”

    Stephanie Kurose, Northeast Political Director of the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, offered the following statement:

    “Aaron Regunberg cares deeply about solving the issues of eastern Rhode Island communities, from fighting for environmental justice to confronting the climate emergency. He’s exactly the type of bold, progressive leader we need in Congress and we’re honored to endorse him.”

    Ariel Moger, Government and Political Affairs Director of Friends of the Earth Action, offered the following statement:

    “We are thrilled to endorse Aaron Regunberg for Congress. Aaron is no stranger to holding Big Oil accountable and is not afraid to take much-needed urgent action to address the climate crisis. Rhode Islanders can count on Aaron to be a bold environmental champion and we urge them to support him this September.”

    Sam Bernhardt, Political Director of Food & Water Action, offered the following statement:

    “Aaron is a climate leader who has gone toe-to-toe with the fossil fuel industry in Rhode Island for years. We will work hard to get Aaron elected so he can represent his constituents and this critical movement against fossil fuels in the halls of Congress.”

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

  • National Environmental Groups Endorse Andy Levin in Michigan Congressional Race

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 8, 2022

    Contact:
    Collin Rees, collin@priceofoil.org

    National Environmental Groups Endorse Andy Levin in Michigan Congressional Race

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Oil Change U.S., Food & Water Action, Climate Hawks Vote, and Zero Hour announced their endorsement of Andy Levin for Michigan’s 11th congressional district, joining the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund and Friends of the Earth Action. Together, these national progressive environmental groups represent tens of thousands of Michigan voters.

    Collin Rees, Political Director at Oil Change U.S., said: “Andy Levin’s bold leadership on climate change and labor justice have set him apart over a long career of public service. His deep commitment to rejecting corporate influence, safeguarding clean water and air across Michigan, and protecting workers and communities during the ongoing renewable energy transition has made him a crucial member of Congress. We need Rep. Levin in Congress, now more than ever.”

    Sam Bernhardt, Political Director at Food & Water Action, said: “Both in and out of Congress, Andy Levin has a proven track record as an environmental and climate leader. Representative Levin has shown the courage to directly confront the fossil fuel industry by supporting an end to fossil fuel subsidies and refusing to take their contributions. He has led the way on transitioning to electric vehicles. And he is uniquely qualified to work for a fair and just transition for working families and communities directly affected by the need to move off fossil fuels.”

    RL Miller, Political Director at Climate Hawks Vote, said: “Andy Levin has earned the support of Michigan grassroots climate hawks. In a survey in the new district, over 60 percent of Climate Hawks Vote members preferred him to his opponent. He’s earned that support by being a fierce climate hawk who knows how to put working families first. He’s authored climate bills like EV Freedom, promoting electric vehicle infrastructure. And he’s the only candidate in the district who has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.” 

    Zanagee Artis, Executive Director of Zero Hour, said: “Zero Hour is proud to endorse Rep. Levin because he will continue to fight for a livable planet in Congress. Congressman Andy Levin’s lifelong commitment to environmental protection speaks for itself. Zero Hour and the young people who mobilize with us in Michigan are ready to send Rep. Levin back to Congress to continue fighting to end fossil fuel subsidies, expand renewable energy, and achieve the Green New Deal that we all deserve.”

    Brett Hartl, Political Director at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, said: “Rep. Andy Levin has shown time and again that he is a steadfast environmental champion of the environment and believes we have a moral obligation to save life on earth. Levin has fought his entire career against special interests that have sickened our communities and exacerbated the climate crisis. He is the type of leader we need in Congress more than ever.”

    Ariel Moger, Government and Political Affairs Manager at Friends of the Earth Action, said: “Friends of the Earth Action is proud to endorse Rep. Andy Levin, a proven advocate for communities and the environment. With so much on the line this election, we must elect leaders who will prioritize people and the planet over corporate profits. Levin is exactly the type of champion we need in Congress. We strongly urge the voters in Michigan’s 11th District to support his reelection.”

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  • 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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