Representative Paul Broun of Georgia criticized clean energy legislation during a mid-June meeting of the United States House. Why? He claimed that the passing of an energy bill would push electricity bills sky high, forcing people to stop running their air conditioners, and cause people, especially the elderly, to die of hyperthermia. Unfortunately, Rep. Broun isn’t alone in his strange and misguided opposition to clean energy.
While we’re on the topic of Congresspeople, Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma deserves mention. Although he says he’s interested in clean tech innovations such as wind energy and geothermal, he believes investing in clean energy will take away more jobs than it will create. Although major industry leaders say the opposite is true, Sen. Inhofe claims that they have ulterior motives and are willing to destroy the economy to make money themselves. He’s also a vocal denier of climate change, arguing that it’s a hoax perpetrated by the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC), NASA, the Heinz Foundations, money-hungry scientists...the list goes on. I’m guessing you and I are also guilty parties.
Opponents of clean energy legislation, Rep. Broun and Sen. Inhofe included, express concern that the steps taken towards renewable energy will be too costly for Americans. It’s really difficult to believe any evidence that might suggest this when, in 2009, Republicans distorted an MIT study that estimated how much climate legislation would cost the average family annually. The original study estimated that the average family would be out $340, while Republicans inflated that number to $3,128. The scientist who conducted the original study spoke up about the misrepresentation of his results, but Republicans stood by their number. How can we trust other numbers opponents of clean energy and climate change legislation give?
Maybe you’re of the mindset that politicians are pretty crooked individuals, but grassroots organizations, with “real” people, can’t be all that bad, right? One of the biggest so-called “grassroots” anti-clean energy organizations is Americans for Prosperity, which was founded by David Koch—of Koch Industries, a major oil refiner. Since Koch Industries imports oil from foreign sources like Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, AFP’s stance is no surprise. AFP even released ridiculous commercials portraying climate activists as rich, hypocritical surfer dudes.
The lengths that opponents of clean energy reform will go through to try to sway public opinion are pretty astounding. But we can do more than just gaping and shaking our heads. Contact your representatives to let them know what you think!
Source: BecauseAction.com
