Have you ever read something on the opinion page that was completely bogus and upset you? Of course, we all have. Did you huff and puff and get another cup of coffee before angrily turning to the sports page for relief? I’ve been there. Well, CCAN has a remedy that will fit into your busy schedule and not leave you feeling disgruntled with that intolerable opinion page. Its easy. Join our “Truth Squad” and use our talking points to draft your own Letter to the Editor (LTE). Believe it or not the opinion page is the most read section in the newspaper and elected officials pay close attention to what people are writing about them. Time for us to defend the truth! Be a part of the story and not let misinformation rule your opinion page.
We are at a critical juncture in Federal clean energy policy. The Waxman-Markey ACES bill that passed the House falls short of delivering on the promise of a new, clean energy economy. Fortunately as Maryland citizens we have a real opportunity to strengthen the bill. Our US Senators, Sen. Mikulski and Sen. Cardin, are outspoken supporters of strong clean energy policy.
However, they will have a hard fight in the Senate and need YOUR help to become true clean energy champions. Senator Cardin has personally told us that he has recently heard more public feedback against clean energy policy than for it. So you responded. We must be heard at this critical moment! We need to step it up and show our Senators the broad public support in Maryland for a strong clean energy bill.
Plus have you been following the articles in the Baltimore Sun? There have been a slew of outrageously inaccurate claims against clean energy policy. Time to respond! Join CCAN’s Truth Squad to and be in the cutting edge. You get about 2 emails a month with all the tools you need to write your own LTE.
These articles range from the classic “this is a tax that will hurt the economy” arguments to “carbon dioxide is good.” (Plus, my personal favorite is from Sarah Palin in the Washington Post.) Read these ridiculous articles and get fired up to respond.
Global warming alarmism enriches Gore, bankrupts the rest of us
Carbon dioxide is natural byproduct, not pollution
Cap and trade is a tax hike by another name
Obama’s dangerous game with energy policy
Palin: The ‘Cap And Tax’ Dead End
Please, take a moment to respond to these. The common theme is all economics. They are trying to scare people into inaction during the recession, but we know the truth is that a strong clean energy bill is good for the economy. Also, mention that you are ready to see our Senators be bold leaders. Here are some talking points:
Strong Clean Energy Policy is good for the economy (Despite what the authors of these articles say)
1. Clean energy creates jobs: Investments in energy efficiency and clean energy, like wind and solar, creates FOUR TIMES as many jobs per dollar investment in dirty energy like coal and oil
2. New jobs: Numerous well researched studies have shown that a strong federal clean energy bill will generate over 1.7 million new clean energy jobs. (Center for American Progress, The Economic Benefits of Investing in Clean Energy, 6/17/09)
3. True Energy Independence: True energy independence means breaking our dependence on the depleting, and therefore increasingly expensive, domestic reserves of oil and gas and generating domestic ‘home grown’ energy like wind and solar
4. Global Economic Powerhouse: Let’s harness American ingenuity and lead the world economy in exports of new clean energy technology. A strong clean energy bill is needed to position us at the forefront of this burgeoning global market
5. Leadership: I am encouraged by Senator Cardin and Mikulski’s past leadership on clean energy issues and are urging them to champion a strong clean energy bill in the US Senate.
Please, let me know when you submit a letter and again when you get it published: ethan[at]chesapeakeclimate.org
Also, for more info check out our 10 ways to make your Senator a Clean Energy Champ toolkit
LTE contact info for your paper:
The Cecil Whig: whigletters@chespub.com
Prince Georges Co. Gazette: princegeorges@gazette.net
Baltimore Sun: talkback@baltimoresun.com
Washington Post: letters@washpost.com
Annapolis Capital: capletts@capitalgazette.com
Washington Times: letters@washingtontimes.com
Carroll Co. Gazette: carroll@gazette.net
Frederick Co. Gazette: Frederick@gazette.net
Montgomery Co. Gazette: letters@gazette.net
The Star Democrat: eastonedit@chespub.com
The County Times of Southern Maryland: tobiepulliam@countytimes.net
Baltimore Messenger, Jeffersonian, Northeast Booster, Northeast Reporter, Owings Mills Times, Towson Times or North County News: kweiss@patuxent.com
The Avenue (Baltimore): aveeditorial@chespub.com
The Northeast Booster (Baltimore): dsturm@patuxent.com
Maryland Independent: abreck@somdnews.com
The Enterprise: rboyd@somdnews.com
The Recorder: clovejoy@somdnews.com
The Calvert Independent: editorial@calvertindependent.com
City Paper (DC): mail@washingtoncitypaper.com
