Washington, D.C. ― Yesterday, Californians voted “no” on Proposition 23, the ballot proposition that would have effectively overturned the state’s groundbreaking climate and clean energy law. The Climate Protection Action Fund sent field organizers to California to help defeat this harmful ballot initiative. CEO Maggie L. Fox issued the following statement:

“This vote is a victory for all Americans. It means California, and thus our nation, will keep leading in the necessary transition to clean, renewable energy. Texas oil companies spent millions to bankroll Proposition 23, but the voters chose not to listen to the dirty energy companies and their lies. With this vote, California will continue to lead the nation in building a clean energy future, which will benefit our economy and help solve the climate crisis.”

For Immediate Release: October 20, 2010
Contact: Giselle Barry, 202-567-6800, press@climateprotect.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Today, Former Vice President Al Gore and the Climate Protection Action Fund have released a new video statement urging opposition to a harmful California ballot initiative, Proposition 23. In the statement, Vice President Gore asked Californians to vote against the ballot proposal that would effectively overturn the state’s pioneering energy and climate law.

“The fight for America’s clean energy future is taking place right now, and it’s come to California,” Vice President Gore said. “This is a fight we simply cannot afford to lose.”

Proposition 23 would suspend the state law known as the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, or AB 32. This law sets limits on the greenhouse gas pollution that is changing our climate, while creating incentives for the production of clean, renewable energy. The funding in support of Proposition 23 has come overwhelmingly from out-of-state oil companies.

The Climate Protection Action Fund is working to defeat Proposition 23 by sending staff members to California for voter outreach and education.

“This is a pivotal moment, and all of us need to be involved,” Vice President Gore said. “The polls show that Proposition 23 is a close vote. We need everyone in California to get out and vote ‘no’ on Proposition 23.”

For immediate release: September 23, 2010
Press inquiries: Giselle Barry, 202-567-6800, press@climateprotect.org

Washington, D.C. — The Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower America campaign released a new video, “Breathe,” highlighting public support for a strong Clean Air Act and opposition to the well-funded influence of the oil and fossil fuel lobby. Joining Repower America activists from around the country are Alec Baldwin, comedienne Margaret Cho, musicians the Flaming Lips and actor Kris Kristofferson, among other celebrities.

Thousands of Americans shot video or took pictures of themselves holding signs saying “yours,” “mine” or “ours,” stressing that no one person or company has ownership over clean air. These folks represent the deep concern Americans feel about the oil lobby’s efforts to block action on climate and clean energy in Congress. A recent poll from the Natural Resources Defense Council found that nearly 75% of Americans support protecting the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from corporate polluters.

Hundreds of Repower America members are joined in the video by notable entertainers and leaders such as A Fine Frenzy; Almudena Fernandez; Barely Political; The Belchertown, Bill McGibben; the Massachusetts Fire Department; Bill McKibben; Brandi Carlile; DeStorm Power; DJ Mike Relm; Eric Beck; Gloria Reuben; Hot for Words; Jeff Ross; John Popper of Blues Traveler; Lauren Francesca; Mark Douglas; Matt Urmy; Nalts; UpDaBlock; Vassy Karagiorgos; Wayne Coyne, and Will of DC, among others.

This month, America celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Clean Air Act, one of the most successful environmental laws on record. Thanks to this landmark legislation, we’ve turned back the danger of acid rain and reduced pollution that was shrinking the ozone layer. With this new video, Americans are once again signaling their support for smart, cost-effective policies that protect the legacy of the Clean Air Act and hold polluters accountable.

To view the new Repower America video and for more information on how to repower America, visit www.repoweramerica.org.

Full text of “Breathe”:
Breathe
Who does the air belong to?
The air belongs to all of us
And for 40 years
The Clean Air Act has kept is safe
But polluters and their allies think the air belongs to them
They’re spending over $1.5 million
Every day
To block the truth
And now they are working in Congress
To stop the Clean Air Act from reducing carbon pollution
Whose voice can stop this assault on our
Environment? Economy? Health?
Across the nation, we are standing up for our right to breathe easier
Because clean air belongs to all of us
No matter how much they spend on lies attacking the Clean Air Act
There are more of us
And we won’t be bought
Clean air is not theirs
The air is
Yours
Pass it on
www.repoweramerica.org/cleanair
Please help us share this video

About The Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower America campaign:
Through its Repower America campaign, the Climate Protection Action Fund, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is mobilizing a nationwide campaign of more than 5 million members and supporters dedicated to persuading our leaders to support solutions through action to the climate crisis and transition to a clean energy economy.

Washington, DC – Climate Protection Action Fund CEO Maggie L. Fox today said the following regarding analyses of greenhouse has reductions in current legislative proposals.”

“All legislative proposals must reduce greenhouse gas pollution below current levels in order to address the economic, national security and climate crises imperiling our nation.”

“This chart makes the clear and powerful case that only through comprehensive legislation that limits greenhouse gas emissions will we reduce the pollution that is threatening our nation and our planet. Anything less will not address the challenges before us or put us on the path toward a clean energy future.

“Now is not the time to give up the race. In the shadow of today’s 3 month anniversary of the Gulf oil spill, now is the time for our Senators to lead with policies that reduce pollution, create millions of jobs, help end our dependence on oil and fossil fuels and transition American to a clean energy economy.”

Download full chart with sources.

About the Climate Protection Action Fund:
The Climate Protection Action Fund is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore committed to affecting bold action on climate change. Using targeted legislative campaigns, issue advocacy and grassroots organizing, the Action Fund represents the powerful combined voices of the millions of Americans who understand that global warming is real and that the time to act is now.

Washington, DC – Climate Protection Action Fund Program Director today issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s economic analysis of the American Power Act:

“As we await tonight’s remarks from President Obama on the oil spill continuing to devastate the Gulf, today’s release of the EPA’s economic analysis of the American Power Act again assures us that the transition to a clean energy economy will greatly benefit American families and businesses. The positive impacts – in the form of clean energy job creation, lower energy bills for consumers, and reductions in the pollution at the heart of the climate crisis – underscore the weakness of the arguments of those opposed to comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation. There is clearly no reason to block strong legislation other than to protect our nation’s dirty energy status quo.”

About the Climate Protection Action Fund:
The Climate Protection Action Fund is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore committed to affecting bold action on climate change. Using targeted legislative campaigns, issue advocacy and grassroots organizing, the Action Fund represents the powerful combined voices of the millions of Americans who understand that global warming is real and that the time to act is now.

For Immediate Release: April 28, 2010
Contact: Alice McKeon, Giselle Barry; (202) 567-6800, press@climateprotect.org

Washington, DC – As the U.S. Senate determines how to move forward on current clean energy and climate proposals, today dozens of everyday Americans, from Florida to Maine and in between, brought their homegrown support for clean energy legislation straight to their Senators on Capitol Hill. A group of forty local leaders, including Dianne Byrum, who was the first woman to serve as Democratic Leader of the Michigan House of Representatives, Sister Betty Kane, a Sister of St. Francis in Pennsylvania, Karen Majewski, the mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, Scott McIntyre, a CEO from Florida, Tim Webster, a veteran from Ohio, will visit with their Senators to convey the urgency of moving forward with comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation this year.

“Every day our leaders fail to enact clean energy legislation, our economy, national security and environment suffer,” said Webster. “Clean energy can make us energy independent – that’s why I count myself among the thousands of Virginians who support clean energy legislation, and it is why I came to Washington this week to speak with my Senators.”

During their meetings, the Repower America members will discuss the benefits of transitioning to clean energy for their states, opportunities for small business in the clean energy economy, as well as current efforts to forward legislation in the Senate.

“It is important to the folks back home in Tampa Bay for our Senators to pass comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation this year that will revitalize our economy and end our reliance on foreign oil,” said McIntyre. “I wanted my voice on Capitol Hill to remind Senators LeMieux and Nelson of the needs of Florida and the urgency of finishing what we started.”

“It’s time to get Senator Levin and Senator Stabenow plugged into the clean energy revolution like we are in Hamtramck,” said Mayor Majewski. “With the auto industry still struggling to rebound from the economic downturn, clean energy is creating jobs in Hamtramck as our community helps build the technology that fuels the hybrid Chevy Volt.”

“The race to secure our clean energy future is near the finish line, and the Senate needs to push forward,” said Byrum. “I’m visiting my Senator today to carry the message that Michigan needs the jobs and economic opportunity that comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation will bring. Now is the time to act.”

“The current economic crisis has hit everyone hard, but our urban communities have been particularly crippled,” said Sister Betty Kane of Aston, PA. “I have been called to help the least fortunate. Comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation would go a long way toward assuring the defense of God’s creation, and that the poor and vulnerable communities most affected by the devastating impacts of climate change are protected.”

Albert, Ayers and McIntyre are a part of a groundbreaking multimedia campaign centered around The Repower Wall, an interactive online community, where more than 62,000 people and businesses have uploaded messages supporting a transition to clean energy.

Some messages from The Repower Wall are also a part of an innovative new grassroots-driven television advertising campaign that provides everyday Americans with the tools to make their voices heard in livings rooms throughout the state and in the nation’s capitol. By including video messages from The Repower Wall in television ads, the Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower America campaign is amplifying the voices that leaders in Washington D.C. need to hear – their constituents; these are the voices calling for immediate action on clean energy.

For more information about the Repower America campaign, visit
www.repoweramerica.org.

Local leaders traveling to Washington are available for interview, by phone and in-person. Please contact Alice McKeon or Giselle Barry at (202) 567-6800 or press@climateprotect.org for booking.

Dianne Yvonne Byrum, MI: Byrum lives in Onondaga Township and works as a partner with Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications. Byrum has been elected to numerous public offices, most recently as a member of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees. Prior, Byrum served in the House as a representative from the 67th District, where she served as the first-ever woman Democratic House Leader. She was previously elected to serve in several offices, including the Michigan House of Representatives and the Senate, and as Ingham County Commissioner.

W. Scott McIntyre, FL: McIntyre is a University of Florida graduate is the CEO of Solar Energy Management / SEM LLC a St. Petersburg based state wide certified solar contractor which provides services, such as solar energy PV systems, foam and batten insulation, just to name a few, designed to lower energy and utility costs and add LEED points. SEM also helps run Matrix Construction a state wide certified general contractor specializing in commercial new construction and retrofit with energy efficiency as a goal and or LEED certification.

Karen Majewski, MI: Majewski began public service on the City of Hamtramck’s Historical Commission. She served on city council and as city council president and mayor pro tem before being elected Hamtramck’s first woman mayor in 2005. She was re-elected in 2009.

Tim Webster, OH: Webster served in the US Navy during the first Gulf War, and is also a veteran of the US Army. Since his service, Webster has worked in sales, supply chain management, parts, and warehouse management. He is currently an Electrical Energy Consultant.

Sister Betty Kane, PA: Sister Betty Kane, a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia, lives and works in Aston, Pennsylvania. She works particularly with the Franciscan Action Network which promotes care for all creation. Being a Franciscan and a woman of faith, she recognizes creation as a gift from the Creator. In Pennsylvania she lobbied for legislation on climate change and the effects it has on those who are poor. Now it is time to lobby at the federal level for clean, renewable energy.

Paid for by the Climate Protection Action Fund

Washington, D.C. – From grandmothers in Ohio, to young kids in North Dakota, to cats in the Nation’s Capital, people from all across the world have added their talents to the Earth Day Remix of Biz Markie’s hip-hop classic “Just a Friend.” Today, on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, dozens of these faces have joined together in a new music video showcasing the need for comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation this year. Today, the video is highlighted on the YouTube homepage in honor of Earth Day.

“People from all walks of life are telling Senators exactly what we need: We need clean energy, for jobs, for our national security, and for our planet,” said David Boundy, Campaign Manager for Repower America. “In the coming weeks each Senator will have to decide whose side they are on. Will they stand up for the American people by passing legislation that will repower our economy, protect our environment, and make our country more secure by ending our dependence on foreign oil? Or will they choose to protect corporate polluters and the status quo?”

“The climate is changing and the economy is in trouble,” said Markie. “Our urban communities need clean energy legislation and the jobs it can bring. We must rebuild America by getting our Senators to help Repower America.”

This video is the latest in a revolutionary online engagement campaign designed to show support for clean energy. In February, the Climate Protection Action Fund launched new ads comprised of videos uploaded directly to the Repower Wall an interactive online forum, where more than 60,000 people and businesses have uploaded messages supporting a transition to clean energy. Additional ads will debut in the coming weeks.

To watch the Earth Day Remix join the movement supporting comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation go to www.repoweramerica.org/join.

Earth Day Remix Lyrics

Did you even know the Senate was deciding your fate?
Ten years for clean energy they wanted you to wait

Please!

Paid for by the Climate Protection Action Fund

For Immediate Release: March 24, 2009
Contact: Giselle Barry, Repower America, (202) 567-6800, press@climateprotect.org

Washington, DC– Comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation can create two million good-paying American jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil – something that more than 40 concerned constituents want their Senators to remember when they visit them this week in Washington D.C. On Thursday, everyday Americans from around the country will meet with their homestate senators on Capitol Hill to share their support for comprehensive clean energy and climate policies and progress on strong legislation.

“Clean energy jobs can help revive Ohio’s economy and put us back to work,” said Marc Cironi of Bath, Ohio. “That’s why I count myself among the thousands of Ohioans who support clean energy, and it is why I am here in Washington this week to tell my Senators.”

The fly-in includes veterans, small business owners, farmers and union workers from every corner of the country, from North Dakota to Florida to Maine, including supporters such as Kevin Otway, a clean energy business owner and veteran from Miami, Florida, and Jim Barrington Minix, a pastor from Little Rock, Arkansas.

John Lawrence of Concord, Maine and Ladonna Applebaum of St. Louis, Missouri are part of a ground breaking multimedia campaign centered around The Repower Wall, an interactive online destination, where more than 58,000 people and businesses have uploaded messages calling for bold action on clean energy and climate.

Messages from The Repower Wall are also a part of an innovative new grassroots-driven television advertising campaign that provides all Americans with the tools to make their voices heard in livings rooms throughout their state and in the nation’s capitol. By including video messages from The Repower Wall in television ads, the Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower America campaign is amplifying the voices that leaders in Washington D.C. need to hear – their constituents. And these are the voices calling for immediate action on clean energy.

“If we continue to wait to adopt clean energy legislation, we will be behind the rest of the world in manufacturing infrastructure for renewable energy components,” said Steve Estes, President of Star Distributed Energy. “This message needs to be carried to Senators Lugar and Bayh —that investing in clean energy is an investment in our economic growth, as well as national security.”

All this week, the Repower America campaign has been distributing materials and collecting video messages of support at Washington DC Metro stops, including Union Station and Capitol South. For more information about The Repower America Wall, visit www.repoweramerica.org/wall. If you would like to request an interview with those participating in the Washington DC visit the week of March 22, please contact press@climateprotect.org.

About The Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower America campaign:
Through its Repower America campaign, the Climate Protection Action Fund, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is mobilizing a nationwide campaign of more than 5 million members and supporters dedicated to persuading our leaders to support solutions through action to the climate crisis and transition to a clean energy economy.

Boston, MA — Massachusetts residents have come together in a new television ad to send a message to new Senator Scott Brown: now is the time to support comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. Highlighting the everyday people Senator-elect Brown promised to answer to upon election, this innovative new spot from the Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower America campaign titled “The People’s Seat” captures the faces and voices of everyday citizens who believe the time is now to create clean energy jobs and make our nation more energy independent.

“Senator Brown told the voters that his seat belongs to the people of Massachusetts,” said David Boundy, Campaign Manager for the Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower America. “These same people are speaking clearly and loudly today: the time to pass comprehensive clean energy legislation is now.”

The video messages in the new ad were downloaded directly from The Repower Wall, an interactive online destination where more than 55,000 people and businesses have already uploaded messages declaring their support for action to create clean energy jobs, safeguard America’s economic and national security future, and solve the climate crisis. Research shows that comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation can create as many as 40,000 jobs in Massachusetts, and save households as much as $1,356 a year.

“Unlike the misleading and deceptive ads aired by many of the nation’s biggest polluters, we’re giving everyday Americans the opportunity to engage their leaders in very powerful and direct way – with their own voice – and their neighbors and communities can see and hear and do the same.” said Boundy.

Polling released today by the Benenson Strategy Group shows that an overwhelming majority of Massachusetts residents who voted in the special election (67%) support comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. Among Independents, support for the legislation is equally dominant (61%). A plurality of Republicans also support the bill.

You can see the new television ad and more videos from more Massachusetts residents on The Repower Wall.

FULL TEXT OF “THE PEOPLE’S SEAT”

Scott Brown said his Senate seat belongs to the people. Senator Brown those people want to Repower Massachusetts with Clean Energy.

(Heidi Neipris) “Clean Energy jobs can put Massachusetts back to work.”

(Michael Elcock) “The Clean Energy economy will create new industries new technologies….”

(John Mace) “New businesses and new jobs right here in Massachusetts.”

(Peggy Gibson) “We need more jobs. Clean Energy is the way forward.”

(Christian Muero): “Because I want jobs made in Massachusetts.”

Senator Brown the people have spoken. Support comprehensive Clean Energy legislation in Washington.

(Michael Elcock) “Come on Scott. Massachusetts spoke. Step up.”

About Repower America:
Through its Repower America campaign, the Climate Protection Action Fund, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is mobilizing a nationwide campaign of more than 5 million members and supporters dedicated to persuading our leaders to support solutions through action to the climate crisis and transition to a clean energy economy.

Press inquiries: Giselle Barry, 202-567-6800, press@climateprotect.org

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower America campaign launched a new effort to deliver thousands of New Year’s resolution messages from constituents to their senators. These thousands of personal messages – displayed on large video trucks outside of the senate district offices – call on leaders to do their part by passing comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation early this year. Momentum for bold action to create clean energy jobs continues to build, as Americans from all walks of life have shared more than 52,000 video messages on The Repower Wall, displaying their resolve to move America toward a clean energy future.

In the past few weeks, thousands of Americans have posted clean energy New Year’s resolutions on The Repower Wall. These video messages from everyday Americans capture their commitment to clean energy in 2010 – from weatherizing their homes to increasing carpools – and call on their Senators to now do their part and support bold action in Washington to make the a clean energy economy a reality.

Starting today in Columbia, Missouri and Columbus, Ohio, the Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower America campaign is bringing these voices directly to their Senators at their state offices on trucks projecting the video messages from the Senators’ constituents from across the state. Repower America has scheduled events at district Senate offices over the next two weeks:

• Wednesday, January 6: Columbia, MO: 915 E. Ash Street, 3-4:30pm; Corner of E. Broadway and N. 10th Street, 4:30-9:00pm
• Wednesday, January 6: Columbus, OH: Parking Lot on the Corner of E. Spring and N. Pearl Street
• Thursday, January 7: Kansas City, MO: 4141 Pennsylvania Avenue, 3:00-5:30pm; 14th Street at Grand Avenue, 5:45-9:00pm
• Thursday, January 7: Virginia Beach, VA: Bank Street at Central Park Avenue, 3-5pm
• Monday, January 11: Indianapolis, IN: 10 N Market Street, 11am-6pm; corner of South Meridian and Washington Streets, 6-9 pm
• Tuesday, January 12: Indianapolis, IN 10 N Market Street, 11am-6pm; corner of South Meridian and Washington Streets, 6-9pm
• Wednesday, January 13: Bangor, ME: Location TBA, please call/email for more information
• Thursday, January 14: Portland, ME: Location TBA, please call/email for more information

“Now is the time for Senators to match the resolve of the people they represent and pass a clean energy and climate bill to create the jobs we need today,” said David Boundy, Repower America Campaign Manager. “In this new year, the American people are making major commitments to create a 21st century clean energy economy, but we need our Senators to listen and take action to repower America with clean, renewable energy that will strengthen our national security and end our dependence on foreign oil.”

Recent reports have detailed the vast potential for job creation and economic growth that could come from passing comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. A recent study by the University of California found that comprehensive clean energy and climate policies will create up to 1.9 million new jobs, increase annual household income, and grow the U.S. economy. Meanwhile, Americans across the political spectrum continue to strongly support transitioning to a clean energy economy and limiting the carbon pollution that causes global climate change. As a recent National Wildlife Foundation poll found:

• 82 percent of voters support the U.S. government increasing investment in clean energy sources, and
• 67 percent of voters support the U.S. government limiting carbon pollution and other gases that cause climate change.