Friends of the Earth Action Media Releases

Historic Mandate for Clean Energy

Energy policy has never been more prominent in a national election, and rarely have the results been so clear. Today's landslide election of Barack Obama and pro-environment candidates across the country signals a strong rejection of the failed energy policies of the last eight years and a historic mandate for large-scale, transformational change.

While Barack Obama, John McCain, and their respective parties agreed energy was a top priority, they offered strikingly different agendas. By putting Obama and the Democrats in office, voters have sent a clear message that they want a fundamentally different policy—one that aggressively invests in clean and energy-efficient infrastructure, creates green-collar jobs, fights global warming, and strengthens our economy.

This creates an exciting opportunity. Change won’t come easy, but tonight it’s time to celebrate. In addition to endorsing Obama, Friends of the Earth Action supported other federal candidates who promised to help us repower America by changing Washington. Their dramatic victories offer real hope for the future.

Friends of the Earth Action Endorses Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire for Re-Election

Friends of the Earth Action today announced its endorsement of Washington State's Governor Christine Gregoire (D) for re-election.

"Governor Gregoire has been a leader in creating green collar jobs, keeping toxic chemicals out of children's products, improving building standards, and cleaning up Puget Sound," Friends of the Earth Action President Dr. Brent Blackwelder said. "She has helped position Washington State as a leader in the fight against global warming. She has earned our strong endorsement."

Garrett Continues Attempt to Greenwash Lousy Environmental Record

After coming under fire for having the worst environmental record of any N.J. member of Congress, Scott Garrett tries to deceive voters by claiming he has a 'strong record as a supporter of environmental protection'

After coming under fire in recent days for having by far the worst record on environmental issues of any member of New Jersey's congressional delegation, Representative Scott Garrett today responded by sending out a press release listing what he calls his "strong record" of "actions" on environmental issues.

But the move appears to have backfired, as it drew additional criticism from environmentalists who pointed out that the press release has little to do with Garrett's actual voting record in Congress.

"It's telling that what Congressman Garrett lists as his 'record' includes only one vote. There's a reason for that," said Friends of the Earth Action President Dr. Brent Blackwelder. "Garrett has a failing 8 percent score from the League of Conservation Voters—by far the lowest of any New Jersey member of Congress. In the last year alone, he has voted against clean energy, against protecting public lands, and for giving even more subsidies to the heavily subsidized fossil fuel industry. Now he says he's an environmentalist? Give me a break."

"Scott Garrett is trying to greenwash his record and deceive voters," Blackwelder continued. "Shame on him. If Garrett’s voting record wasn't so lousy, he wouldn't have to engage in such deception—and he would have more to point to than 'wrote letter' and 'signed letter' as his major accomplishments."

Last week, Garrett released a deceptive TV ad portraying himself as a "voice for the environment." The New York Times has just endorsed Garrett's challenger, Dennis Shulman, in part because of Shulman's commitment to tackle global warming. Friends of the Earth Action endorsed Shulman last week.

McCain Shows Scorn for Nuclear Risks

In Sunday campaign appearance, candidate downplays threats from nuclear power: ‘safe, environment, blah, blah, blah’

In a campaign appearance yesterday in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Senator John McCain mocked the safety and environmental risks posed by nuclear power.

"We talked about nuclear power," McCain said, referring to the most recent presidential debate. "Well, it has to be safe, environment, blah, blah, blah."

McCain’s comments drew criticism.

"McCain is showing an alarming lack of respect for the very real risks that come with nuclear power," Friends of the Earth Action President Brent Blackwelder said. "There have been a string of safety incidents at U.S. and international reactors, there is nowhere to store the 100,000 shipments of waste we've already generated, and nuclear plants are, as the FBI director has stated, 'target rich' environments for terrorists."

"The fact that McCain so readily dismisses these very real concerns with a 'blah, blah, blah,' is disconcerting to say the least," Blackwelder continued. "It appears that McCain's absolute support for nuclear power has more to do with ideology than facts, and underscores the risky nature of his candidacy. He just doesn't get it."

Friends of the Earth Action Endorses Bob Lord for Congress in AZ-03

Incumbent John Shadegg singled out as threat to the planet

Friends of the Earth Action today announced its endorsement of Democrat Bob Lord for Congress in Arizona’s Third Congressional District. Bob Lord is challenging incumbent Republican Representative John Shadegg, who scored an absolute zero in 2008 on the League of Conservation Voters’ National Environmental Scorecard.

"Throughout his 14 years in the U.S. House, Representative Shadegg has almost always voted against the health of Arizona families, against the conservation of energy, and against the protection of important parks and natural areas," said Dr. Brent Blackwelder, President of Friends of the Earth Action. "He repeatedly sides with special interests against the public interest. It’s time for him to go."

Friends of the Earth Action Endorses Dennis Shulman for Congress in NJ-05

Incumbent Scott Garrett singled out as threat to the planet

NEW JERSEY—Friends of the Earth Action today announced its endorsement of Democrat Dennis Shulman for Congress in the Fifth District of New Jersey. Shulman is challenging incumbent Republican Representative Scott Garrett, who had the worst environmental voting record of the entire New Jersey Delegation this year and last year, and indeed has the worst lifetime record of any member of the delegation.

"Rep. Garrett has almost always voted against the health of New Jersey families, against the conservation of energy, against the protection of important parks and natural areas," said Dr. Brent Blackwelder, President of Friends of the Earth Action. "He repeatedly sides with special interests against the public interest. It's time for him to go."

Friends of the Earth Action Endorses Tom Allen for Senate

Allen called a consistent supporter of clean air, clean water and clean energy; Collins has frequently sided with Bush and special interests

Friends of the Earth Action today endorsed Congressman Tom Allen for Senate, saying there is a significant difference between his consistent support for environmental protection and fair trade and incumbent Senator Susan Collins’ frequent votes against these principles.

"Maine residents deserve an A voter in the Senate, not someone who scores a C- through her career but then gets green the year before an election," said Dr. Brent Blackwelder, President of Friends of the Earth Action. "Far too often, Susan Collins has sided with special interests and George Bush—and against the health of the planet. Tom Allen is a strong supporter of clean air, clean water, clean energy and fair trade. He has earned our endorsement."

House Drilling Debate Waste of Energy, Waste of Time

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Friends of the Earth Action President Brent Blackwelder had the following comment in regard to the House energy bill debated today:

"The energy bill discussed in the House today falls far short of what this country needs, and its inclusion of offshore drilling actually moves us in the wrong direction. Debate on this bill has been a waste of energy and a waste of time."

"We strongly oppose this bill. The behavior of the House GOP has been especially repugnant. What we saw today is that the Republican leadership has flat-out lied by claiming it supports an 'all of the above' energy policy. In fact, Republicans reaffirmed that they support only drilling and Big Oil and continue to oppose real solutions to our nation’s energy challenges."

Palin a Concerning Choice for Environmentalists

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Friends of the Earth Action President Brent Blackwelder had the following statement in response to the announcement that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will be the Republicans’ candidate for vice president:

"Sarah Palin’s record is not extensive—just two years ago she was the mayor of a city of less than 10,000 people—but what her record indicates is troubling. This spring, she opposed the listing of polar bears as a 'threatened' species. She supports the brutal aerial hunting of wolves. And she has been a friend of Big Oil, opposing a windfall profits tax on the oil industry that could fund affordable clean energy for more Americans. Palin's husband works for BP.

"Palin's addition to the ticket underscores the difference between the candidates on environmental issues. The McCain-Palin ticket is a recipe for energy disaster. Barack Obama and Joe Biden offer a vastly superior agenda."

McCain Agreed With Obama on Tires Yesterday, Yet McCain Campaign Continues Ignorant Tire Gauge Attack Today

Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and are one piece of puzzle that can help Americans use less gas

WASHINGTON, D.C.—John McCain agreed yesterday with Barack Obama’s suggestion that Americans should check their tire pressure as one way to use less gas, but McCain’s campaign continues to attack the idea today, offering "Obama Tire Gauges" on its website.

McCain’s Energy Hypocrisy

Candidate claims to support 'all of the above,' but has consistently stood in the way of affordable clean energy

MICHIGAN—Senator John McCain toured a nuclear power plant today in Michigan, and called for subsidies for nuclear power as part of a purported "all of the above" approach to energy. David Hirsch of Friends of the Earth Action said McCain’s record calls his rhetoric into question:

"Talk is cheap. John McCain may say he supports 'all of the above,' but he has consistently stood in the way of investments in clean affordable energy—most recently by opposing an energy bill promoting wind and solar that failed by one vote last December. McCain's stuck on the tired old energy sources of the past: fossil fuels and nuclear power. His 26 years in Washington are showing. Nuclear power in particular is dangerous, it’s too expensive, and there’s nowhere to put the waste.

"Thankfully, Barack Obama is offering fresh ideas to help us turn the page. Obama is a better choice for voters who want affordable energy and a healthy environment."

Obama Disappoints on Drilling

Candidate criticized for welcoming flawed proposal that includes offshore drilling as well as subsidies for dirty liquid coal and nuclear power; Obama should stick to his own plan—it’s a better solution

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Barack Obama signaled openness to offshore drilling this weekend and his campaign issued a statement “welcoming” an energy proposal from 10 senators that would allow such drilling and subsidize liquid coal and the nuclear power industry. Friends of the Earth Action President Brent Blackwelder had the following response:

"Friends of the Earth Action endorsed Barack Obama in May in large part because he spoke out against the ‘gas tax holiday’ gimmick that would have done nothing to reduce our dependence on oil. That’s why it’s so disappointing to see Obama now say he would consider expanding offshore drilling, even though he knows it is not a real solution to the energy crisis that is devastating our environment and our economy.

"Additionally, the specific legislative proposal 'welcomed' by Senator Obama contains other harmful provisions, including subsidies for extremely dirty liquid coal and for the nuclear power industry. Meanwhile, the positive aspects of that proposal are too limited to bring about the dramatic reduction in our use of fossil fuels that is needed. Let’s make no bones about it: America is at an energy crossroads, and if we continue business as usual, we will destroy our climate and economy and jeopardize our national security. We need bold, rapid leadership to end our reliance on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, Senator Obama did not show such leadership this weekend.

"In contrast, the plan Senator Obama is announcing today is a much better approach. While not perfect, Senator Obama’s proposal is a serious response to our nation’s most pressing energy problems. It includes support for plug-in hybrid vehicles, a national renewable electricity standard, and a low carbon fuel standard, among other solutions. Senator Obama should focus on continuing to advocate real solutions and avoid yielding to oil companies and allowing more offshore drilling."

McCain Admits He Trusts Big Oil Execs More than Independent Experts

ORLANDO—At a campaign event today Sen. John McCain rejected the consensus view of independent experts that offshore drilling won’t impact gas prices. McCain said he believes oil company executives instead.

When told that new offshore drilling would not yield results for decades, McCain said, "I met with oil executives just a few days ago … and it is my view and that of oil company executives that... we could in a very short time have a beneficial effect [from drilling]. ... so I disagree with those experts."

McCain added that he expects to see beneficial effects of offshore drilling "within months."

ConocoPhillips Q2 Numbers Continue Record Oil Company Profits Since Passage of Republican Energy Bill in 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Oil company ConocoPhillips reported today that its second-quarter earnings have increased dramatically since last year.

This continues a trend of increasing oil company profits since the passage of the Republican energy bill in 2005 that provided billions of dollars in subsidies to the oil companies and unprecedented access to federal lands and waters, according to Erich Pica of Friends of the Earth Action.

"The ConocoPhillips profits announced today should come as a surprise to no one," Pica said. "Big Oil has bought off the politicians in Washington. Ever since the passage of the Republican energy bill in 2005—with billions in corporate welfare for Big Oil—oil industry profits have increased. It's no wonder they say G.O.P. stands for Grand Oil Party ."

Embarassing turnout for Republicans at House GOP drilling event

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Despite a memorandum from GOP leadership urging Republican House members to attend, only a quarter of them showed up today at an event on the Capitol steps intended to promote new GOP drilling legislation.

The House Republicans were met by 150 opponents of drilling, who carried signs with slogans such as "Grand Oil Party" and "Exxon John McCain" calling the Republicans out for cozying up to Big Oil and pushing a disingenuous plan that would do nothing to actually lower prices at the pump.

"What an embarrassing way to launch legislation," said Kate McMahon of Friends of the Earth Action, who attended the event. "They couldn't even get the majority of their own caucus to attend. Of course, if my party’s leadership had sat down with the oil companies to write such shoddy legislation, I’d be embarrassed too."

Immediately after the last speaker concluded, the uncomfortable-looking clique of Republicans turned around and high-tailed it up the Capitol steps.

Dishonest McCain Ad Blames Obama for Gas Prices

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A new ad from the John McCain campaign blaming Barack Obama for rising gas prices prompted the following response from Friends of the Earth Action President Brent Blackwelder:

"It’s only July, but we're already seeing dishonest and hypocritical gutter politics from John McCain. Flip-flopping John McCain said just two weeks ago that our dangerous dependence on oil 'has been 30 years in the making,' but now he tries to blame Obama—even though it's McCain who has been in Washington for 26 years. Here’s the truth. The Bush/McCain drilling plan won't lower gas prices but will increase our over-reliance on oil. We can provide relief from high gas prices while growing the economy, protecting our security and fighting global warming by focusing on conservation, clean energy and transportation choices instead."

Bush Pushes McCain Drilling Flip-Flop from White House; Announcement a Purely Symbolic Gesture

Washington, D.C.—President Bush tried to lend support to John McCain's offshore drilling flip-flop by announcing today that he would lift an "executive" ban on offshore drilling, even though a congressional ban remains in place so more drilling will not actually be allowed.

"President Bush and John McCain should be trying to end America's addiction to oil, but instead they’re pushing this gimmick that won’t do anything to lower the cost of gas. It's time to stop playing politics and start finding solutions. If John McCain and George W. Bush were serious about addressing this crisis, they would work to create alternatives to driving and make cars and trucks more efficient—not push a land grab for the oil companies."

The U.S. Energy Information Agency says opening these waters for drilling won't impact prices at all for two decades, and even then the effects will be negligible: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-romm/mccains-cruel-offshore-dr_b_111945.html

RNC Energy Ads Credit McCain for Obama's Position

Ads falsely claim McCain supports alternative energy when he has consistently opposed it and Obama has supported it

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Republican National Committee began airing TV ads this weekend that grossly distort the presidential candidates’ positions on alternative energy. The ads claim that John McCain is a supporter of alternative energy and imply that Barack Obama is not, when in fact the opposite is true.