Big Oil Lobby plans astroturf campaign

I highly commend your attention to the DeSmogBlog blog entry "Leaked Memo: Oil Lobby Launches Fake 'Grassroots' Campaign".

According to a leaked memo obtained by Greenpeace, the Big Oil lobby is planning an anti-climate change legislation astroturf campaign modeled on the one conducted by health insurance companies to combat health care reform. Event venues have already been selected and plans are underway to fund and execute "Energy Citizen" rallies across the country.

The event in Michigan is, apparently, September 3 in Livonia so we'll need to be prepared to turn people out (more to come on that.) Please check out the blog and read the memo (PDF file) from Phil Radford at Greenpeace. In the American Petroleum Institute (API) memo that Greenpeace had leaked to them, Jack Gerard, President and CEO of API said:

"Please treat this information as sensitive and ask those in your company to do so as well...we don't want critics to know our game plan."

Phil Radford, in a letter to Gerard, concluded his letter with: "Game plan known".

The question is, will we do what is necessary to combat it?

US House Vote on American Clean Energy and Security Act Imminent

From Repower America:

This is an extraordinary moment.

There are mere days before the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the most unprecedented clean energy and climate legislation in our nation's history. But, our opponents have stepped up a blatant distortion campaign on TV and behind closed doors to scare Congress from taking action.

They know this vote will be close. But, what the special interests have in money and rhetoric, we have in facts and supporters like you.

Let your Representative know that you want a cleaner and stronger economy today. Urge them to support the American Clean Energy and Security Act now.

Call your Representative: 877-9-REPOWER (877-9-737-6937)

When you call, you will be given talking points and simply instructions to be connected to your Representative. Afterwards, help us coordinate our campaign by reporting your call here.

Just a few days ago, Members of Congress who oppose clean energy paraded around a map that distorts the truth about curbing carbon pollution. Not only was the analysis misleading, the computer file still listed the original author -- the coal lobby.

And another group, funded by the fossil-fuel industry, released targeted TV ads designed to drum up fear ahead of the vote.

We can't let the corporate interests fighting to keep the status quo scare us into sticking to rising fuel costs, more job losses and a continued dependence on foreign oil.

Congress has debated clean energy and the climate crisis for decades. Now is the time to act. Let's make sure the House passes this historic legislation.

Please call your Representative: 877-9-REPOWER (877-9-737-6937)

Green-Oriented Petitions

There are a number of green-oriented petitions in circulation right now. Here are a few that may interest you. (Note that most of these sites will ask you to consider making a donation but none of them require it in order to sign the petition. They may also send you emails in the future though all of them will allow you to opt out later if you wish to.)

First, Keystone Progress has a petition that allows you to sign onto a letter encouraging Congress to pass a strong energy policy bill:

There's a huge fight in Congress right now over how to attack global warming and jumpstart a green economy. On our side is everyone who wants clean energy, green jobs and cares about the future. Against us is Big Oil, King Coal, and the fact that most people sit on the sidelines.

Your member of Congress really needs to know which side you're on, and that you want a stronger clean energy and green jobs bill.

Powerful oil and coal interests did some real damage to a good bill in the House Energy Committee - winning loopholes, bailouts, and giveaways from taxpayers. The current bill doesn't actually require the creation of wind or solar power, and repeals President Obama's ability to regulate dirty power plants.

But we can strengthen and improve this bill on the House floor, if enough members of Congress will join our fight. Can you send a letter urging your representative to fight for a stronger bill?

Sign the petition HERE.

Repower America has a related video:



Environment Michigan has a petition allowing you to encourage Congress to pass The American Clean Energy and Security Act. The petition reads:

I support dramatic efforts to usher in a new clean energy economy and cut global warming pollution. The American Clean Energy and Security Act would require all new buildings to be green buildings within a generation. Please support this legislation and take every opportunity to strengthen it and deliver more clean energy for America.

Sign the petition HERE.

Finally, MoveOn.org has a petition similar to Keystone's. The petition reads:

"We need a stronger energy bill to fulfill Obama's vision of a clean energy economy. Congress should strengthen the clean energy standards and restore Obama's authority to crack down on dirty coal plants."

Sign their petition HERE.