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Sierra Club Calls on Senator Domenici to Stop Blocking Clean Energy New Campaign Includes Billboards, Radio and TV Ads Today, the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club launched a new grassroots campaign calling on Senator Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) to help pass a strong energy bill in the fall--one that includes both the fuel economy standard passed by the Senate and the Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) passed by the House. As part of the "Domenici, Don't Dim Our Future" campaign, radio spots begin airing today, with billboards going up in Albuquerque mid-week and TV ads airing soon after. Bumper stickers and yard signs will also be available and distributed door-to-door. The campaign also launched a website, including an mp3 of the radio ad, at http://www.sierraclub.org/domenici/ In June, Senator Domenici--siding with the big utility companies-- single-handedly blocked a renewable electricity bill and pushed instead for billions in subsidies to the oil, gas, coal, and nuclear industries. But Senator Domenici's own state stands to reap huge benefits from America's shift to solar and wind power. Generating more electricity from renewable energy will mean millions of dollars in additional income for New Mexico ranchers and rural land owners, and will create thousands of local jobs. One study by the Union for Concerned Scientists found that adopting a 20 percent Renewable Energy Standard would create almost 3,000 new jobs in the state and would save New Mexican residents nearly $400 million in reduced energy costs by 2030. "Senator Domenici chose to preserve the fossil fuel status quo rather than promote a renewable energy economy which is good for New Mexico and good for the whole country," said Carol Oldham, Regional Representative for the Sierra Club. "Senator Domenici has another chance this fall to do the right thing. Both the Senate and the House have passed slightly different energy bills and must work in conference to craft a final version. It is vital that the conference keep the strong provisions of both bills." As Congress deliberates on this final energy bill a wide variety of groups and New Mexico citizens are asking Senator Domenici to help New Mexico prosper. They say the Senator can put our nation on the path to energy independence by supporting the 15 percent Renewable Electricity Standard passed by the House and the strong fuel economy provisions passed by the Senate. "Senator Domenici has a chance this fall to put the people of his own state above special interests," said Dr. John Fogarty of New Mexico Physicians for Social Responsibility. "Global warming demands action now. Renewable energy will protect our society and future generations from global warming and infuse our economy with new life. We are asking Senator Domenici to stop subsidizing business as usual and to support a renewable energy bill that will move America into a clean energy future." ### |
